One aspect of community that has been created in our classroom is taped on the front door of the room. The students can write positive things on paw prints(their school mascot is the cougar) that their classmates have done. If a child notices another doing something good, they can write in on a paw and post it on the door. This encourages the other students in the classroom which creates community among the children.
In our class, the students made a pledge with the teacher and the teacher also made a pledge with the students. In their pledges they made oaths to each other regarding respect, hard work and dedication. I believe that having this type of allegiance constructs a great community within the classroom. It builds trust from teacher to student and also student to student. Having a solid foundation in a classroom benefits everyone in the academic community.
At the school, they have a “ROAR” policy. This stands for respect, on the path to success, act responsibly and remember self control. Having these guidelines gives the students a clear reminder of how they need to be acting in the school. These give the school a sense of community because the students all know these regulations and are reminded of them daily as they state them together as a school in unity.
I am sure that as I spend more time in the school and classroom I will learn more of how the community is built. I am looking forward to finding ways to bind a group of students together as a community.