I was very surprised by our school's WE SURVEY score, in which the students responded that our teachers do not know what their interests are. So, here is my blog about building relationships.
An important part of the Rigor Relevance framework is Relationships. Because humans are naturally social beings, the development of positive relationships between teachers and students is essential to learning. One way to build these relationships and move to a more student-centered learning community is through a strategy known as Community Circle. This idea is adapted from the popular book called Tribes by Jeanne Gibbs.
Why Community Circle
Building relationships is a deliberate process that the teacher facilitates over time. It begins by creating inclusion for every person in the learning community. Community Circle could help establish that inclusion by setting the tone for respectful learning and establishing a climate of trust. Community Circle motivates children by addressing their need to feel a sense of importance and belonging, as well as the need to have fun. When Community Circle is held at specific times of the day or week, it creates a repetition of many ordinary moments of respectful interaction, which enables some extraordinary moments. Finally, Community Circle merges social, emotional and intellectual learning.
Consider holding Community Circle daily, weekly or biweekly, depending on your needs and preferences. Some school years, you may have a particularly delicate classroom environment that needs extra attention, and daily Community Circle. Other years, getting together every other week may be enough.
Budget approximately 10-15 minutes for each Community Circle session at approximately the same time on the pre-determined day.
The Community Circle Agenda
As a group, sit in a circle on the ground and stick to the Tribes Agreements, which are:
· Appreciation of Others (i.e. no put-downs)
· Listen Attentively
· Mutual Respect
· Right to Pass and Participate
Additionally, designate a special gesture to keep things under control. For example, when the teacher raises her hand, everyone else raises their hand and stops talking. You may want to make this gesture different from the attention signal you use during the rest of the day.
At each class meeting, announce a different prompt or format for sharing. The Tribes book offers a wealth of ideas for this purpose. For instance, it is effective to go around the circle and finish sentences, such as:
“Something that I enjoy doing after school is …”
"One thing I like about our classroom is...."
"I'm grateful that...."
"One good thing that happened to me recently is...."
"I wish...."
"I'm bigger than a ______. I'm smaller than a ________."
"I hope that...."
Fifteen minutes per week is a small investment to make in order to strengthen the bonds between you and your students. Students sense that their opinions, dreams, and insights are valued and treated with respect. It also gives them a chance to practice their listening, speaking, and interpersonal skills.
Try it in your classroom. See how it works for you!
