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Building a Classroom Community and Being There Through It All: Reading…
Building a Classroom Community and Being There Through It All: Reading Response 10
Chapter 10
Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world and we cannot protect our students from everything. When tragedy hits, we must approach it in a way that students can understand and not be negatively affected by.
It is important to listen to your students' concerns, check-in with families regarding the tragedy, and affirm them that they are safe! The world can be a scary place, and we do not want our students to be anxious or nervous about something happening to them.
Teachers have to be creative so their students can develop an understanding of what happened. This can include drawing pictures or writing letters to those impacted. With this, they are expressing their sorrow in a healthy way, leading to further discussion and the opportunity to feel comfortable asking questions.
Chapter 11
As a teacher, you should always be open to learning along with your students, and not be afraid to ask for help from co-workers, parents, or the community!
Building trust with the families of your students Is very important. This can be done even before the school year starts by making home visits to learn about the families and students, allowing them the opportunity to share anything they would like with you.
Keep parents in the loop by creating weekly newsletters, having them volunteer in the classroom, writing why you are going on field trips, etc.
My Kindergarten teachers did these! I think they are genius ideas! I still have newsletters at home and I remember my mom volunteering in the classroom making macaroni necklaces and going on a field trip to the pumpkin patch. My teachers always had parents coming in and informing them of everything we were learning!
Positive interactions and strong parent involvement can lead to successful outcomes and great connections.
Chapter 12
It is okay if you do things differently than other teachers. Each teacher has their own methods, ideas, and students!
It is evident that Cowhey learns from her mistakes and comes back stronger from them. She realized that she physically cannot do everything and that it is okay to say no sometimes! (I think this is incredibly important! This is something I have been working on myself and will continue to as I become a teacher).
Teach what you believe in and what you think is best for your students. Be aware of the changes you make and prepare for answering questions and giving reasoning as to why you are doing whatever it may be differently. Others can learn from you and vice versa!
Share your thoughts with those you trust.
Chapter 9
Share yourself with your students-- tell them your stories, take note of what they observe about you. Cowhey writes "...children provide me with these reality checks as they help me see myself through their eyes" (Cowhey, 2006, p. 168).
Stories and the words that are in them are powerful! They help students make connections, increase understanding and engagement, and not be afraid to take risks!
Having positive relationship with my students, being able to relate to them, being there for them, and sharing my own experiences is something I will strive for!
All families look different and that is more than okay! Embrace the uniqueness and make it known that everyone is welcome.