I really liked how this chapter started off with talking about the community of students within a classroom, because I think that this is the key for so many things, including improving students' writing. The classes that I loved the best in high school (and, looking back, the ones I actually learned the most in) were the classes that offered this sense of community--everyone became friends in the class, and it just had that atmosphere that is so ideal for a classroom, one in which everyone feels comfortable with themselves and with each other, and this cultivated awesome learning. The B & B chapter called this a "positive/nurturing classroom climate," and this is what every classroom needs. But I think it is up to the teacher to set the tone for this, and I think it is going to be really tricky.
I didn't really like some of the activities/examples the book offered, like the backpacking activity and the "yarn and stuff" activity. I don't think I would have liked to do these in high school; they almost seem as if they are more something that we would have done in middle school or even elementary school. I don't really know what the best way is to cultivate this community, but I think it will be interesting to see how that develops in the classroom. Being laid back and personable I think will go a long way in encouraging this.
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4 comments:
Colleen,
Maybe we can pool our best ideas for building community in our classrooms, focusing on beginning of the year as well as ways to maintain a strong community throughout the year.
Amy
I think it's a well know fact that almost everyone hates "Icebreaker" type activities that help you get to know others; however, they're proven to work. It may really be beneficial to take some time at the beginning of the year and play some sort of name game. Plus, I remember how horribly embarrassing it was in high school when you were already half way through the year and didn't know the name of one of your group members.
I think this type of community building will be easier in our language arts classrooms than it would be in some other classrooms. If you plan on having your students keep a writing journal, the information that they would share would likely build the community of the classroom, too.
I think ice breakers can be intimidating for some students because of what's asked. What's the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you? or What's the coolest thing that you have ever done? When i hear those i get nervous the whole time thinking "Gosh i have a lot of embarrassing stories that are inappropriate right now" or "Gosh i am boring." The key is to choose an activity that doesn't put pressure on the kids. I loved the ipod suggestion.
You'll never know about the effect of these activities until you really try them on your own students. Some of them may like this, some may not, and even be intimidated. That really depends on the personalities of each individual.
Just try different activities through the semester and see how those fit different people. I believe finally these activities will be proven effective.
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