Today was the first day of school for the kids. A major factor that affects learning is the sense of community and safety in the classroom. At the beginning of the day, the students said they were feeling frightened, anxious, and nervous because they were starting a new year. Continually working towards developing a responsive, caring, community, the teacher was able to change the students’ feelings. By the end of the day, many/most of the students said they were no longer nervous or frightened, but instead happy and excited. Introducing himself to the students was one way the teacher accomplished this. He made sure to spend enough time presenting who he is, what he expects, and setting the tone for others to do the same.
A second way he built the community was by using humor in the classroom. Humor encourages the children to take those things that are stressing them less seriously. Additionally, humor can be a by-product of a safe environment. The teacher is demonstrating to the students that he is comfortable with them, and by association they will become comfortable with the teacher and the rest of the class.
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