We spend the first few weeks of school building relationships among students and between students and the teacher. It takes a lot of time, but the payoff a few weeks down the road is huge. You get serious learners doing serious work. And that's what you really want. They have to know they are in a caring community.
Most teachers agree it takes time and thoughtful planning.
The following teacher-tested approaches can be used to help build your classroom community. Practice a wide range of group-building activities to promote cooperative learning. Find out how teaching social skills can support academic achievement. Try out new methods to create classroom rules. Connect with supportive organizations.