3 Tried & True Tips for Classroom Community Building

Teachers, it’s that time again! Time to turn 20+ super unique little humans into a cohesive group that works well together, cares about each other, and supports the group’s goals. It’s time to build a classroom community! After all, kids can’t begin to focus on academics until their basic needs are met. In the classroom, those needs include feeling safe, appreciated, heard, and cared for. Filling these social-emotional learning buckets first builds the self-esteem and confidence kids need in order to succeed in your classroom. Below we’re sharing three tried and true tips for classroom community building, culled from our team of veteran teachers and educational experts.

1. Create Reliable Routines

Knowing what to expect each day, and what’s coming next, provides a sense of comfort and familiarity that helps kids thrive. Discuss your daily routine—then stick to it! Make sure you’re doing the same things at the same times each day and keeping the same tools in the same places. For example, let students know that they can always find their work in the folder labeled with their name in your hanging Space Place® Pocket Chart. And be sure to provide ample notice prior to transitioning to the next activity. A countdown timer can provide a nice visual cue.

2. Start Every Day with Circle Time

Circle time is a great way to gather your class together to enjoy and appreciate each other before the day begins. It’s also a great place to get to know your students and to help them get to know each other. Discuss the day’s routine, allowing for input from your kids, then provide an activity that sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. Alternate between musical games, cooperative games, talking and listening exercises, drama activities, and more. The teachers on our team love passing the Magic Moves® Electronic Wand from student to student and watching as the group follows more than 90 fun, physical commands, including stomping like an elephant and soaring like an eagle. Or try tossing a random Alphabet Beanbag to each student and asking them say the name of the letter on the bag, make its sound, or share a word starting with that sound.

3. Make Time for Games

Not just for rainy days, games are a great way for students to get to know each other in a more relaxed setting and to practice the social skills, like turn-taking, good sportsmanship, and cooperation, needed for a solid classroom community. Wireless Eggspert® turns any material into a fun classroom game, complete with wireless buzzers and flashing lights! Or get creative with The Playfoam® Game, where kids take turns sculpting the clues on the cards using non-toxic, no-mess, never-dries-out Playfoam.

Taking the time up front to help your students feel comfortable, both in your classroom and with each other, is the first step to a successful year for all of you!