community building

1. Fostering Positive Relationships
in an Elementary Classroom
By Jarek, Jon, Tiffany, Amber, and Kayla

2. Scenario
A parent approaches you, as the teacher, and
says that their daughter came home upset that
her classmate told her she couldn’t be an author
because she “spoke differently.” You know that
their daughter is an ELL student, what would
you do? How would you prevent this from
happening again?

3. Democratic Classroom
• This approach can forge positive relationships and teach
children to be responsible citizens at the same time.
• Give students input in the classroom, including rules,
consequences, and curriculum. If feasible, let children vote
on these things.
• This teaches children to be responsible for their own
behavior, and that everyone’s voice matters. It also teaches
them how to deal with disagreements peacefully.
(Gayton, 1999)

4. Fostering Relationships Between
Students
• “Research shows that children’s social and emotional skills
impact their overall academic achievement” (Durlak,
Weissberg, Dyminicki, Taylor, & Schellinger, 2011). Pg 1
• Support Strategies
– Structuring the learning environment
– Scheduling the daily routine
– Facilitating social and emotional awareness
– Facilitating children’s interactions
• Help students find something they have in common or

5. Fostering Relationships Between
Teacher and Parents
• "Parents are the number-one way to bring a
school together, no matter what your curriculum
and focus is." - Mariah Collins (Katz 503)
• Back to School Nights, Parent Club Meetings,
Monthly student centered events (Family
Science Night, Literature Fair, Student Art Show)
– Provide transportation
• Home Visits in “natural” settings

6. Fostering Relationships Between Staff
• Fellow teachers and staff are available for support, but many
do not utilize this
– staff meetings, outings with colleagues, and having lunch
in staff room are some ways to utilize your peers
• Understanding differences of fellow colleagues and honoring
them
• Keep gossip to minimum
– working towards none in the workplace
• communicate thoroughly both concerns and ideas to
colleagues

7. Works Cited
• Katz, Anne. “Keepin’ It Real: Personalizing School Experiences for Diverse
Learners to Create Harmony and Minimize Interethnic Conflict.” The Journal of
Negro Education 68.4 (1999): 496-510. Web.
• Gayton, Jorge. “Choosing Democracy: A practical guide to multicultural
education.” Contemporary Education 70.3. pg. 60.
• Gainsley, S. (2013). Building Friendships in Preschool. Retrieved January 24, 2016,
from
http://www.highscope.org/file/newsandinformation/extensions/extvol27no1_hi
ghrez.pdf.