Dear Teachers,

How are you creating a welcoming Environment and getting to know your students?

Resources and narrative by: Silas, Janiah and Marisa, Youth Leadership Council Member

• How are you setting up your room to be welcoming/affirming/culturally responsive?
• Who is represented in your room?
• Who will feel welcome when they enter?
• Who will feel that they belong?
• How will you create a safe/brave space for students?

Relationship building throughout the school year is crucial to having a healthy classroom. It allows connections to be built between teachers and students, and even between the students in the classroom to make a good classroom dynamic. Even though many teachers already do getting-to-know-each other activities in the first week of school, it is important to continue them throughout the year so students can create a deeper bond with their teacher, and feel more comfortable sharing more of who they really are! Instead of jumping right into rules or work, it will be more beneficial to take the time to get to know and welcome students! When doing this, it’s good to participate in activities as well so students can also get to know YOU.  Don’t jump right into rules or work- take time to get to know and welcome students and build a sense of community.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Click for "Get to Know You Activities"

Click for "Relationship Building Strategies" to use throughout the year.