Action Research and Collaboration - Blog 1

I'm trying to build a stronger community in my classroom. So far, I've been implementing small one-on-one activities or partner activities to facilitate community. These activities include things like scheduling more partner work, purposefully placing students together who normally don't often interact, performing walk-n-talks, etc.

So far, these things seem to be working. While I'm not yet pursuing large, whole-class community-building activities, I know that by starting small I will ensure higher rates of success for myself and my students.

I've been trying to remember to record data on my tools, but from what I've recorded so far it appears that I tend to begin these types of activities by talking with a student, casually, before we begin the activity. I think I'm like, easing myself into it? I didn't realize I did that until I starting recording my thoughts and activities.

I also bet I do it because I think it could feel weird if I'm disconnected from them and then try to make them participate in a more high-energy activity. It's like I need them to see me being engaging and talkative so they feel more comfortable. It's like they need to follow my lead. I'm modeling the appropriate level of energy.


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