We can create community in our classrooms by recognizing it as a melting pot, just like in American society. The United States is country with many different cultures, each of which has something to offer; but America's people also need to stand together as one nation. It is like having different parts of the same body, each one having a different function, but all parts being essential to the well-being of the whole.
In the same way, touting the different cultures of one's students will help to create a diverse community within the classroom. But the key is a balance between highlighting what distinguishes people and giving the class a sense of togetherness.
Ralph Fletcher pointed out the communities that many schools try to create with having all the students assemble together, pledge allegiance to the American flag, make announcements, give citywide tests, and other activities to try to bring students together. While doing things like saying the Pledge of Allegiance or singing the Star Spangled Banner are good things, it is a challenge to keep these customs fresh so that students are not simply going through the motions.
I love the story Fletcher tells about the one school where the principal would tell his students about events going on in the world even though he knew many of them would rise above their heads. In doing so, he was trying to show how the community within his school was a mere microcosm of the country and the world around them. He wanted them to know that there was more to life than what was outside of their backyard. Hopefully by generating a strong community within a classroom and within the school setting, students will transfer that sense of community into their lives after education.
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3 comments:
Your response to the question is well put! Students do need to learn how to fuction individually, in order to function as a whole. It certainly is a process that most definately takes practice. It becomes the teacher's job to make sure that his/her students build a community by working together.
Yes, that was very nicely said. I really like your point about recognizing people's difference while still giving them a sense of togetherness. I think it is important for a teacher to foster a classroom where students feel comfortable with one another.
I also enjoyed that story. I liked the fact that the principal wanted to update the students on worldwide events.
Interest point made about the American flag. I think children just like adults can go through the motions. In order to build a community a lesson about the historical significance of the flag is a plus. You can even do this as early as first grade. I have had my students create a class flag in order to build that connection.
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