The Teacher's Role
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It can be argued that the teacher's role in creating a classroom community is the most important. A teacher who wants to build that community should:
- Make it known that the classroom is a safe place. A place where incorrect answers are ok, where students can confide in their teacher, and where they can feel accepted for who they are as people.
- Recognize that kids need structure and learn best what is acceptable/not acceptable in that structure. When there is conversation about repercussions for some actions, students will take that redirection as helpful. Those policies and procedures will help students feel successful in their classroom.
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- Realize that English Language Learners already have some sort of community built. Simply because they understand what it's like learning a new language, ELLs will automatically create a little tight-knit community based on that similarity. Some students may even have parents who are friends outside of school and get to spend time with friends when school is out. This may make building a community a little easier!
- Get to know each student. This is one of the most important elements of teaching. As teachers we need to know our students inside and out. We need to know their quirks, what makes them tick, their likes and dislikes, what’s going on at home, learn about their unique learning needs, and most of all let them know that we care!
- Create a positive parent-teacher relationship. Parent relationships are just as key to creating a strong community as relationships with students are. These relationships should be established early on in the school year. This eliminates questioning from the parents--especially non-English speaking parents. Some may be skeptical of the school system and by creating a relationship with you, it opens doors to reliability and understanding. Also, students and parents love to hear from their teachers with positive news. Sending out emails and newsletters and calling home are just a few examples.
- Give specific feedback to students. Instead of simply saying: "great job, Angelina!" a better alternative would be: "You did an amazing job on your addition math assignment, Angelina." Speak to the student in first person and make them feel confident that they did well.