Example 1

The Solution Kit…Some ideas!

1. When setting up your classroom for the year, hang posters of people interacting with each other. As that study demonstrates, even a subtle image of two people looking at each other can create a sense of connectedness and foster kindness. STRATEGIES

2. Greet students on the first day of school—and every day after that—as they enter the classroom. Students are more likely to behave with kindness if they feel a sense of belonging. A study of 158 tenth- and twelfth-grade students found that those who felt connected to their teachers and other students scored higher in empathy—a building block of prosocial behavior.

3. To build community in your classroom, give your students chances to help each other. Giving students the opportunity to practice prosocial behavior is one of the most effective ways to promote it. For example, when having them work in cooperative learning groups—an instructional technique that allows small groups of students to work together on a task—inform students that part of their responsibility as members of the group is to help one another. Scientists have found that students who engage more in cooperative learning are more likely to treat each other with kindness.

How To Build Relationships (from Edutopia) Greet each student as they enter the classroom. Make eye contact when speaking – get down on their level. Smile long before Thanksgiving. Use an approachable voice. After an absence say “I missed you yesterday.” Personally respond in each student’s journal.

Get to know each student’s name and use their name in a positive way. Have lunch with each student individually during the year. Talk informally with students before, during and after class about their interests. Be aware of and comment on important events in student’s lives such as a new sibling, sport events etc. And... 1.

Students and Teachers together create norms What are norms? Those behavioral standards that are expected of all members of the classroom community, adults and students Cover large sets of behaviors Apply to all situations all the time Stated in a positive tone Few in number Developed by the classroom community