Creating A Caring Community Strategies
1. CELEBRATE the first day of school
We all know that the last day of school is always one to celebrate. Why not celebrate the first day of school? In Wong & Wong's book The First Days of School, it is recommended that you take the opportunity to make students feel welcomed and safe in your classroom. It may require putting off the syllabus run-down, but it is worth it! |
2. Include rubrics for EVERYTHING
When it comes to rubrics, the more the merrier. Rubrics put both the teacher, student, and guardians on the same page regarding the expectations and assessments. Providing rubrics is a strategy that will help bridge the conversation gap between students and the family support system that is behind them. Harry T. Wong and Rosemary K. Wong recommend in The First Days of School to provide rubrics in order to bring as much clarity to assessment as possible. |
3. Consistency is KEY
Wong & Wong also suggest in their book, The First Days of School, to be as consistent in possible. This does not mean that I will be consistent in a way that becomes boring or mundane. However, it is essential to establish certain habits so that students are aware of the daily expectations.
Wong & Wong also suggest in their book, The First Days of School, to be as consistent in possible. This does not mean that I will be consistent in a way that becomes boring or mundane. However, it is essential to establish certain habits so that students are aware of the daily expectations.
4. Take time to learn EVERYONE'S name
Names are powerful. Wong & Wong suggest that first step towards connecting with each student is to learn their name. It is not only essential that the teacher knows the name of each student, but that each student learns the name of his or her classmates. This strategy is suggest by Harry K. Wong and Rosemary T. Wont in The First Days of School. |
5. Base Curriculum off STUDENT interest
Especially in English, it is easy to base curriculum off of what WE enjoy. We choose the books we like to read, we choose the poems that we think are powerful. However, curriculum was not intended for the purpose of entertaining the instructor. Giving power and choice to the students gives them a personal investment in what they are learning. Kirsten Olson in her book, Wounded by School, agrees that curriculum based off of student interest is an effective way to cultivate a caring community.
Especially in English, it is easy to base curriculum off of what WE enjoy. We choose the books we like to read, we choose the poems that we think are powerful. However, curriculum was not intended for the purpose of entertaining the instructor. Giving power and choice to the students gives them a personal investment in what they are learning. Kirsten Olson in her book, Wounded by School, agrees that curriculum based off of student interest is an effective way to cultivate a caring community.
6. Learn What to OVERLOOK.
It is unrealistic for me to demand perfection from my students as far as their behavior. My philosophy is to pick and choose what is going to bug me. Annette L. Breaux suggests in 101 "Answers" for New Teachers and Their Mentors, that "if you are expecting that your students will never whisper to one another, you've lost touch with reality." As long as my students continue to be human, they will continue to be imperfect. As long as my students are acting appropriately, enjoying the lesson, getting the work done, and learning along the way, I am satisfied. I believe that part of creating a caring community is having a realistic outlook and avoiding the "nitpicky" perspective on classroom management. |
7. "Catch" Students BEHAVING.
It is easy as a teacher to often monitor the classroom to ensure that students are not doing anything wrong. However, we should also monitor the classroom to see what they are doing right. Breaux additionally suggests that it is important to praise good behavior. If students view their teacher as an encourager of good behavior rather than a punisher of bad behavior, they will feel more comfortable in your classroom.
8. Establish Specific Classroom Rules TOGETHER
My classroom will be founded on three main rules: 1.) Respect Each Other 2.) Respect the Workplace and 3.) Respect Yourself. However, I think that it is important to establish specific classroom rules as a team. Therefore, I am choosing to conduct the class in a way that fits the specific needs of each of my classes.
My classroom will be founded on three main rules: 1.) Respect Each Other 2.) Respect the Workplace and 3.) Respect Yourself. However, I think that it is important to establish specific classroom rules as a team. Therefore, I am choosing to conduct the class in a way that fits the specific needs of each of my classes.
9. Be A HUMAN
Often teachers tend to distance themselves from their students. Although there must be a balance, I believe that it is possible to make connections with my students without compromising my professionalism. During the first week, I will do some sort of get to know your teacher activity. Whether that be a quiz or participating in the icebreaker games with them. I want my students to see me as a human.
Often teachers tend to distance themselves from their students. Although there must be a balance, I believe that it is possible to make connections with my students without compromising my professionalism. During the first week, I will do some sort of get to know your teacher activity. Whether that be a quiz or participating in the icebreaker games with them. I want my students to see me as a human.
10. Greet Students EVERY Morning
As long as schools exist, there is always going to be so much to teach in so little time. Therefore, it is easy to get in the habit of getting right into the lesson plan for the day. However, I will be intention about greeting my students every morning. This makes the students feel welcomed into the classroom.
As long as schools exist, there is always going to be so much to teach in so little time. Therefore, it is easy to get in the habit of getting right into the lesson plan for the day. However, I will be intention about greeting my students every morning. This makes the students feel welcomed into the classroom.
11. LAUGH With the Students
Students WANT to know that the teacher is enjoying what he or she is doing. I think that laughter is something that can bridge any relationship. Strictness and coldness is not always the best approach to classroom management. Therefore, I will not be fearful of welcoming humor into my classroom. I strongly believe that it will help establish a caring community.
Students WANT to know that the teacher is enjoying what he or she is doing. I think that laughter is something that can bridge any relationship. Strictness and coldness is not always the best approach to classroom management. Therefore, I will not be fearful of welcoming humor into my classroom. I strongly believe that it will help establish a caring community.
Artifacts:
Classroom Rules Template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BQLwY2htUHi99g_LNCctZL4eE-0U_fAtVeTn-1-F1F8/edit?usp=sharing
# 9 Artifact: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19roySGIKkEdXfYNWcGvkceqnO3uH4gyg1xJLzLtwhu8/edit?usp=sharing
Student Survival Kit for 1st day of school: http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr358.shtml
Classroom Rules Template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BQLwY2htUHi99g_LNCctZL4eE-0U_fAtVeTn-1-F1F8/edit?usp=sharing
# 9 Artifact: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19roySGIKkEdXfYNWcGvkceqnO3uH4gyg1xJLzLtwhu8/edit?usp=sharing
Student Survival Kit for 1st day of school: http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr358.shtml
Breaux, A. (2003). 101 "Answers" for New Teachers & Their Mentors: Effective Teaching Tips for Daily Classroom Use. Larchmont, NY: Eye On Education.
Olson, K. (2009) Wounded by school: Recapturing the joy in learning and standing up to old school culture. New York: Teachers College
Wong, H., and Wong, R. (2005). The first days of school: How to be an effective teacher. Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications.
Olson, K. (2009) Wounded by school: Recapturing the joy in learning and standing up to old school culture. New York: Teachers College
Wong, H., and Wong, R. (2005). The first days of school: How to be an effective teacher. Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications.