Remote Learning: Building Community

While your class may not be in-person, or only partially in-person, it’s still made up of people - little people :) 

One of the biggest concerns with remote learning is that students are feeling disconnected and aren't getting the benefits of being in a group. This is where consciously using Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) can help to make the kiddos feel part of things by building bridges between on-line, hybrid and in- person learners. Aside from targeting these feelings with good literature choices and class discussions, what else can you do?

Think about ways to build community amongst your students, in order to promote togetherness and belonging!

Use photos!

• Distribute class pics to be kept at home or in school (or both)! Have students send in a photo and put them together grid style (with permissions, of course) to be kept on display for reference during lessons, or anytime. 
• Make class graphs a part of your day! Use those same pictures, individually mounted on index cards or magnets (business card magnets are the best!!) to build bar graphs that tie in with a daily question, or that relate to whatever lessons you are engaged in. This "polling" method gives everyone a voice from time to time and allows them talking points based on commonalities - or even differences!

Consider pen pals within your class!

• Have your class send artwork/pictures/letters between class members to strengthen bonds. You might even want to switch partners every so often, to mix it up!     
• A roving paper class pet or something like Flat Stanley can be fun - each member of the class would take a turn having a visit and writing/drawing about it, and forward to the next, if it's doable :)      

Socializing is important for cohesiveness! 

• Try to make a point of holding a Social Zoom on a regular basis, including all in the class. No lessons - just a fun activity to have them interact. Maybe show and tell or a game to play - or just taking turns telling something that's going on :)
• Have a silly theme day from time to time - crazy hair, hat, socks, PJs - make it attainable for all :) Teachers - for those who forget on crazy hat day - keep a roll of aluminum foil handy - turn it into a Hershey’s kiss hat! 

Keep the class bonding, learning and belonging - it's so important!

Have fun!!