Creating a Classroom Community

This paper was a key assignment for my 1st semester Senior year. It is about how I see myself creating a classroom community within my own classroom one day, and why it is important to do so. 

Classroom Community Environment Key Assignment

I have a few deep thoughts about how a classroom should feel and how students should be able to be themselves within the classroom. I never want a child to be afraid to come to school, never afraid to stick up for themselves and never afraid that I would look down on them as their teacher.

            Throughout the semester, there have been many great suggestions, ideas, and comments made about how to create this classroom community. One of the best ideas I received was to implement “Morning Meeting” into the daily ritual as a binding tool for the classroom. Each day would begin with each child being greeted by myself at the door, inviting them to sit in a circle around the carpet. “Good Morning’s” and “How are you?” would be exchanged and the Morning Meeting would begin. After giving multiple children the opportunity to share, I would invite each student to think of an answer to a question, using the lightning share method. I feel very strongly that every student should have an opportunity to share something, at least once each day. No child should feel like they can’t comment and no child should be put down for the comment they make.

            I believe that using group activities will provide a sense of camaraderie and also help my students develop the necessary social skills to act politely and develop good sportsmanship that will translate to other classes and onto the playground. Thus creating a pleasing environment where everyone has the opportunity to excel at different times, in different activities and feeling that they belong in the classroom. 

            I would like to teach my students to respect one another, to be kind, aware, and sensitive to each person’s needs, even if they are younger. I believe that each child is capable of caring for others if they are taught to do so by some authority figure. Each child will be held accountable for their misdemeanors and mistreatment of others. They will be expected to say “I’m sorry”, “Excuse me” and “Thank you”. The classroom community that I envision will begin with teaching my student’s manners and how they transcend into their daily social interactions, no matter their age. By implementing these manners, it will discourage bullying, fights, and disrespect that may and most likely occur within the classroom.

            On page 91 of “Making a Difference” there is a dialogue between a child and teacher that I found helpful. The child asks, “Would you please invest in me?”  The teacher then responds, “Because I see your value, I will connect with you. Because I see your uniqueness, I will come to you on your own terms and in accordance with your own needs. Because teaching is part of connecting, I will honor you by teaching you what matters most in life.” I want that to be my mantra in my teaching, in the very environment that I set up in my classroom; each student should feel welcome and confident that I can teach them what they need to learn, while feeling comfortable doing it.