Creating a Classroom Community

When teachers set out to design a community that supports learning, they must reflect on the needs of students. We must not make assumptions about learners and the learning process. As a teacher it is easy to plunge into the pitfall of having low expectations, assuming ELL students have limited knowledge, underestimating the needs special education students, or students who are of low SES.

A big part of creating a community of learners is modeling by the teacher. This demonstrates that we want to provide our learning community with lessons that are transparent, giving students all the tools needed to move forward.

It is very important that the teacher lets students know that he/she values each student and his/her unique contributions to the classroom. This includes children with learning difficulties and behavior problems.

The type of environment that fosters development does not need to be generated by the teacher alone. I believe that children have the ability to work together responsibly and to lift and help the other children around them. I believe that children should be taught responsible social behavior and given authentic opportunities to practice responsible social behavior.