Creating Classroom Community: How? "Reform the environment. Stop    trying to reform people. They will reform themselves if the environment is right.” ~ Buckminster Fuller Part 3

Flow Foundations: What is a sense of community? Why create a sense of community in schools? Creating Conditions/Tools: What are the conditions for a sense of community to develop? How can the conditions help to establish a container for community building? What are some tools for making it happen? Facilitator Knowledge Application

The Best Workshop Ever Facilitators Be prepared Lessons are interactive Facilitate conversation & communication Be engaging Build in breaks and allow for sustenance Turn cell phones off and present Teach with purpose Be playful and laugh Be positive and encourage

The Best Workshop Ever Everyone One person talks at a time Have an open mind and good attitude Be positive and encouraging Be on time Be an active listener and respectful of others’ opinions Cell phones off (except for need) Appropriate and respectful language (be kind)

The Best Workshop Ever Everyone Be alert and present Watch our sarcastic humor You can only volunteer yourself Be sensitive to differences and learning styles Fun, Food

Conditions for Community to Develop Intentionality Invitational Education Time Safe and Trusting Environment Safe Environment Relational Trust Balancing “Me” and “We” Empowerment (Me) Social Commitment (We)

Conditions for Community to Develop Positivity Nurturing the Positive Positivity Ratio Ownership Focus (goal setting) 3 R’s: Routines, Rituals, Responsibilities Others?

“Me” Topics Noticing vs. praising Challenge with choice vs. right to pass Competition Pseudo choice Other topics?

OWNERSHIP

GOAL SETTING

The 3 ‘R’s Routines What are some routines you have in your classroom/school? Rituals What are some of your family, cultural, or personal rituals? What are some of your school traditions? What is a rite of passage you have experienced? Responsibility What do you in your classroom/school to engender responsibility toward self and others?

Positivity

Reflections on the 10 Joy Pride Gratitude Amusement Serenity Interest Hope Pride Amusement Inspiration Awe Love From: Fredrickson, B. (2009) Positivity: Groundbreaking Research Reveals How to Embrace the Hidden Strength of Positive Emotions, Overcome Negativity, and Thrive. New York, NY: Crown Archetype.

Positivity Individuals Groups Broadens our minds and our hearts Transforms us for the better Fuels Resilience Asking questions and focusing outward (open to new ideas) Connectivity and attunement of the team. More responsive to one another Bouncing back from adversity rather than getting stuck in self-absorbed advocacy

Positivity Ratio The Tipping Point Flourishing = 3 to 1 “… only when positivity ratios are higher than 3 to 1 is positivity in sufficient supply to seed human flourishing.” (Fredrickson, 2009)

An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy.

It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.” He continued, “the other is good – he is joy, peace, love hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?” The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”