What are BC school teachers doing to develop

What are BC school teachers doing to develop a community-based classroom? Natasha De. Vito Vancouver Island University

Why is this important? • • To create a safe environment for children to learn To accommodate every student in the classroom an their needs To develop a sense of belonging in the classroom To encourage strong relationships

Observations • • Bounce the bell Stz’unamis Primary School Community of Learners project Combined classroom teaching Based on observations, I have noticed that the development of a community has been on a “school wide” level, where the staff come together and created a community within the school. But what if your school lacks community? What can you do in your own classroom?

1. Classroom Structure • Instead of children sitting in the traditional rows, you could incorporate bigger tables that sit several students; therefore, you are able to encourage group discussions and social interactions. • Create a job list- have each children responsible for one classroom duty a week. Each student has their own job. This develops responsibility and a sense of belonging in the classroom. • Co-create expectations. The students will feel more involved in their classroom and will respect boundaries because they had say in what they would like to see in their own classroom.

2. Lesson Execution • Adapt lessons to fit the needs of every child • Let the students take on some responsibility of their learning • Encourage the students to act as mentors for the students that need extra support • Include group work and class discussions into lessons

3. Activity Content • Welcome the diversity of the classroom; when appropriate, provide choices to help students succeed in their learning • Incorporate individual and group activities in each lesson • Allow for discussions and freedom to ask questions • Make time in your activity for teacher support

4. Our Language and Actions • “We” instead of “Me” • Greeting children and taking an interest in each child’s life. • Have a daily sharing time. This could be at the beginning of the day where students talk about their weekend/thoughts/etc before the day’s activities start. • Provide on one time during the day to students to make sure they are feeling safe and content in the classroom environment.

Real-Life Examples/Points of Interest • The importance of inviting parents into the classroom community • https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=BN 8 j. Bp 9 bs. K 0 • Some ways to take it outside the classroom • https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Ccd. Lcvus. Ot. Q • Talking Circles • https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Rd. Khc. Qr. LD 1 w