The beginning of the school year is such an exciting time—meeting new students, reuniting with former ones, working with trusted colleagues. It’s a time for discovering new possibilities and opportunities.
It’s also a time to remind students and staff that classrooms and schools are communities, built on relationships. As you start this school year, consider some of these community-building activities:
Building Community, Day by Day
Also, take note that this year’s Mix It Up at Lunch Day falls on Nov. 9. In preparation for Mix It Up, Teaching Tolerance will publish two new lessons later this month on its website:
- It’s Okay to Feel Different (Monday, Sept. 13): This lesson will help students understand that differences and diversity are something to celebrate.
- Cliques in Schools (Monday, Sept. 20): This lesson will encourage students to examine the cliques at school. It will also help them explore ways to integrate the student body and form relationships across, and in spite of, controlling cliques.
When you have a moment—I know you’re extremely busy right now—we’d like to hear how you helped create a strong community at your school. Meanwhile, good luck with the new school year.
Thom Ronk is Curriculum Design Manager for Teaching Tolerance.
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