The desks are arranged, favorite books are displayed, math manipulatives are sorted, and lesson plans are now being written. It’s time for you to start building the classroom community. As I write my lesson plans, I include getting-to-know-you activities. These activities provide opportunities for the learning students to interact positively with each other. The children are desperate to make friends that are new find out about the classroom environment, and be part of a school family. Most likely, the classroom will end up a property away from home for the following ten months.

When a classroom functions as a community, children feel safe and accepted. They interact respectfully and responsibly with one another. Building this learning community is fostered through structured routines, consistent schedules, class meetings, shared experiences, and groupings that are flexible. Most of these things devote some time. However, it is time well spent. Below are a few getting-to-know-you activities to promote friendship and also to begin building a positive classroom community.

All About Me Bags

From the first day of school, I share my “All About Me” bag. I fill the bag with 4 to 6 items that are special tell about me. For instance, I may include a special bookmark to share my love of reading or a small dog statue to speak about my family pet.