Building a strong classroom community

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Permalink Reply by Anne Shaw on August 24, 2010 at 4:57pm

Hi, Brenda,

Second grade is about the only grade I have not taught. I wanted to share with you some things we did with our fourth graders for the same purpose. We wanted to build an authentic community within the class - students and teachers. We felt that establishing a true community was an essential prerequisite for building/increasing self-confidence and learning.

On the first day of school I gathered the students in a circle on the rug (l/4 of my classroom was a large rug area, sectioned off by short bookcases so that it felt like a separate section, but wasn't really closed in). I got out a roll of toilet paper, took a piece about 15 inches long, then passed the roll to the student on my left and said, "Take what you need." Of course the kids were shocked. Most of them took some; one or two didn't. And one or two were clowns and took a huge pile. After everyone had some paper I told them that for each square they would tell us something about themselves. I began by modeling - my name is Anne Shaw; I live in Austin, Texas; I like to garden; I like to cook; I have three children. I love teaching. We wanted them to share things that were unique about who they are. The next day the first thing they said was, "Ms. Shaw, can we do the toilet paper thing again?" We did, and it was even better than the first time.

Then I explained to them why we did this - and about the kind of community we would build together. We talked about it throughout the year.

Then we moved on to talk about what the students' expectations were for themselves, and what my expectations were for them.

Our principal had given us a copy of Marva Collins' school creed, Born to Win. (If you aren't familiar with her there is a movie about her and her school. Also books.) See this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3QIVDEgO5Q

Of course, this video is from 1979, and is not a 21st century school. There is no technology, and it is a teacher-centered classroom, BUT, she has high expectations and the children excel.

You can find the Born to Win Creed here http://www.melanielewis.org/poems/poem30.html

Marva made all students in her school memorize it and be able to discuss it, from five-year-olds and up. So I did the same. I printed it out on a two-sided document, laminated it, and every morning the first thing we did in class was gather in a circle on the rug, recite the creed, then take a line or two out of it and discuss it. Then we had a few minutes of just sharing time to talk about whatever they wanted to share. Sometimes it was about going to grandma's house last night for spaghetti, or going to the county fair. Sometimes it was more serious - my mom's boyfriend stole her paycheck and left; and one time it was that the student's father had died suddenly during the night after an epileptic seizure. That was the day I knew our community was a true success - that child wanted to be there with us that day instead of staying home from school.

We also decided to start having lunch in the classroom with our students every Friday. We ordered delivery of personal pan pizzas. We ate and talked, or watched a music video. Or did some art. Whatever. The difference in our relationships was astounding.

We also designed real-world, meaningful interdisciplinary,project-based units. It was fun and extremely challenging.

We had very high expectations; a banner at the front of the room read, "If It Isn't Good, It Isn't Done", and we meant it. We supported each student in every way necessary; we had expectations that every student would learn whatever it was they were expected to learn. I always tell teachers that if you give a student a grade such as 27 or 57 or 73 you are actually telling them two things: 1.) you are not smart, and 2.) you do not have to learn this.

In my classroom not learning something was NOT an option.

There were no Gifted/Talented students in the class; there were ESL, and some special ed, one emotionally disturbed, and about half of them were on free lunches. ALL of them succeeded. ALL of them blossomed. Discipline problems were virtually nonexistent.

Our classroom was not traditional; it was student-centered. I spent the first few weeks teaching the students how to work independently and interdependently - lots of skills here, and they must be specifically taught. It took a little time, but was so worth it. Once they got the program I just needed to facilitate and support and GET OUT OF THEIR WAY! Totally hands-on, project-based, research-based, interactive, creative, and though I did not teach to the test this class scored higher on their standardized test scores than any class in the school!

Student motivation and student achievement soared.

Hope you can try some of these things and that you have a great year.

Anne Shaw
Director@21stCenturySchools.com if you would like to be added to the list to receive my newsletter.

Permalink Reply by Brenda Graham on August 26, 2010 at 11:56pm

Hi Anne,

Thank you so much for your great ideas! I liked your toilet paper activity and "lunch Fridays". I will definitely check out the link you provided.

Thanks again and I hope you have a great year too!
Brenda