Building a school community routed in communication, collaboration, and learning is just as important as building a classroom community. Learning will only flourish and reach its full potential when students are surrounded by positive environments within the school as a whole. When the school culture is focused on ensuring every student can succeed and reach their goals, students are able to academically and personally thrive.
Forming positive relationships within the school community is essential in creating and maintaining the effectiveness of any school community. Through teamwork and communication within the school, teachers have the ability to enhance learning experiences and school community. By collaborating on programs within the school, teachers are able to exposure the students to a variety of people within the school community, working to build relationships between those within the school. By building these relationships, the school community is able to continue to grow and better the learning environment for teachers and students.
Ideas for building the school community:
1. Reading Buddies: To collaborate between grades, teachers can facilitate a reading buddies’ program. Older students get paired with younger students to practice reaching and reading confidence. This allows different groups of students to become familiar with each other, creating positive relationships within the school.
2. Mentor Program: Creating a mentor program within schools can foster relationships within the school community. By allowing students of different ages to interact and learn from one another, the school community is able to become more accessible and well-rounded. When students feel safe and comfortable in their environment, they are better able to participate and add value to the community they are in.
3. Knowing students by name: As simple as it sounds, knowing students by name gives them a sense of respect and importance within the school. Making an effort to learn students, despite not having them in class, can positively affect the overarching school community. Students who feel known and respected are less likely to act out and are more likely to remain focused and engaged, participating in the school community.
References:
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/mar03/vol60/num06/Creating-a-School-Community.aspx
