So how do you build that sense of community? Well, I have gathered up 10 of my favorite activities to share with you today.
1. FRIEND WANTED ADS
2. IF EVERYBODY DID
I find this book to be a great way to instill a sense of personal responsibility in your classroom. I like having students personalize a page of this book. We publish the collection and keep it for a reference in our library.
3. My Kind of Smart
One great tool I have found is to have students reflect on how they learn best. I like to use a modified version of Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences. An added bonus is that it’s a great help to teachers too! I can’t tell you how much I learn about my students from their responses.
4. RESPECT LOOKS LIKE/SOUNDS LIKE
5. HOPES AND DREAMS
6. SUPPORTINGI HOPES AND DREAMS
7. FRIEND FINDER
8. GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER
9. FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL POEM
I love giving students an opportunity to share their feelings in a safe setting on the first day of school. It helps everyone feel more settled knowing they aren’t the only ones with those feelings. You can grab this freebie [HERE] or by clicking on the image below.
10. I WISH MY TEACHER/CLASSMATE KNEW
This is an activity I like to introduce in the beginning of the year, but keep it running all year long. These notes help me gain insight into my students world. The things students will tell you when given the chance can truly make you a better teacher for them, and help decrease their anxieties by sharing.
I have bundled these activities together with some helpful tips, more in depth directions, and provided some additional samples to help you prepare for your school year. You can grab them by clicking [HERE] or by clicking on the image below.
Wishing you a wonderful start to your school year, and here’s to building a community that you and your students are proud to be a part of!
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