How to create a strong classroom community through team-building exercises
We need to teach young people from an early age to become responsible, respectful, and resourceful members of our communities. This obviously should start in the home and be a shared value at school. We need to teach important social and life skills in a manner that is deeply respectful and encouraging for children. Research tells us that children are hardwired from birth to connect with others, and that children who feel a sense of connection to their community, family, and school are less likely to misbehave.
Having opportunities to work as a team helps to build a strong and healthy classroom community. Community building games like the Lava Pit give students opportunities to work together as a team, leading to creating a classroom and school wide culture that is healthy and conducive to both learning and acceptance.
So to help aid teachers, we created three community building lessons:
Community Circle with Empathy Art
Our middle school students love these activities, but the lessons would also work great for upper elementary students. Be sure to check them out!