7 Practical Ways to Build Classroom Community

I think we can all agree that building classroom community is an important part of a successful learning environment. The classrooms that have been most effective for me have been those where there is an almost tangible sense of community. These classrooms are safe havens, but they also encourage learning, growth, and stepping outside of our comfort zones. I know that I always feel more willing to share and to take risks when I feel accepted by my peers and my teacher in a classroom setting. From conversations with my little brother, a current high school freshman, I also realized that he and his friends enjoy class time more when they feel that their thoughts are valued and validated. I'm sure they're not the only ones who feel that way. In fact, teaching experts have written that "the most valuable learning occurs in classrooms where a sense of community exists" and that "community encourages rich learning because of the interactions among many individuals, not the limited, two-way exchange of ideas or information that is often the case when students fail to form a community." (See Further Reading 1). We know that building community is important. Experts and students alike are telling us that it's essential for successful learning. But how do we actually do it? 

I've compiled a list of seven practical ways that we can use to build community in our classrooms. Some ideas come from research, some come from fellow teacher blogs, and some come from my own experience. I've also include some variations on how to build community in a virtual setting, as virtual teaching has become the reality, if not a big possibility, for most teachers. I hope you can take with you some resources to apply in your own classroom someday! 

1. Learn Each Other's Names

This might be a bit of a no-brainer, but I think it's one of the most important and easiest ways to build trust and build community. And it's important to do this quickly. Teachers shouldn't be the only ones who learn students' names. They might feel a connection with you as a teacher if you call them by their name every day, but students aren't as likely to feel comfortable sharing if the kid they've been sitting next to for 3 months still addresses them, "Hey, you!" Encourage them to address each other by name. It's also important to make sure you are pronouncing their names correctly. 

2. Encourage Vulnerability


If you've been on social media, perused the self-help section of your local book store, or had a conversation with anyone about vulnerability, authenticity, or self-compassion in the last ten years, then you've probably heard of Brene Brown. If not, just know that she's basically the queen of vulnerability and a leading researcher in the fields of vulnerability, shame, courage, leadership, and more. Brown stresses the importance of vulnerability in all of our relationships. In a classroom setting, this couldn't be more accurate. Building connection among our students will require us as teachers to be vulnerable--to share our own work, to take risks and to step outside of our comfort zones. Hopefully, our own courage and vulnerability will give students the motivation to do the same.

3. Have Fun


Don't be afraid to be silly! You can find a balance that works for you and your situation, but don't forget who you're working with here. Teenagers are some of the goofiest people on the planet, and you'll all be better off if you remember to treat them as such, rather than always expecting them to be perfectly-behaved, mute robots.

4. Celebrate Student Success


Who doesn't love to be celebrated? Ok, maybe not everyone loves the attention that typical forms of "celebration" bring to mind (balloons, streamers, parades, flashing lights, etc.) But there are lots of ways to celebrate the good your students do and the improvements they make. Plus, celebrating your students can help them feel seen and valued, thus encouraging them to keep progressing and participating fully in class. Check out this post for a list of ideas to get you started! 

5. Share Student Work


Sharing student work, both on your classroom walls and within your teaching, can help students get to know each other better as writers and as individuals. 

6. Plan Time for Group Work


Nothing hampers classroom community quite like boring lectures with zero student interaction. I have found that not only is it harder to learn effectively, but it's also nearly impossible to be truly invested in a class where I don't know anyone else. Though group work may seem like more trouble than it's worth, it really is the key to creating strong classroom communities. Check out this post for some ideas about effective ways to structure group work in your classroom. 

7. Encourage participation between virtual and in-person groups


With the increased amount of teachers managing hybrid classroom environments, I think it's especially important to consider how we can build community between all of our students. Kahoot quizzes have worked wonderfully for the writing class I TA for, since half of the students attend virtually and half are in person. Kahoot is a great option for a competitive quiz or game that students can join wherever they are, as long as they have an internet connection. Break-out rooms are another way you could facilitate collaboration between virtual and in-person students. Stephanie Jochman, a high school teacher who has transitioned to online teaching in light of COVID, has created a routine where students in the classroom wave to the online students at the start of each class. 


Leave a comment below with other ideas about building classroom community--whether they be tried and true or just an idea, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

XOXO,
Abby


FURTHER READING: 

1. Dean, Deborah and Adrienne Warren. “Informal and Shared: Writing to Create Community.” English Journal, vol. 101, no. 4, 2012, pp. 50-54.



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