# data[].attributes.body
It is so important to have decor in the room that represents and supports a positive classroom community! Students need to consistently be encouraged and this is a simple way to do that!

# data[].attributes.body
I love this little icebreaker for kids! They even get a little treat after they share! It is just important to make sure they don't hold them in their hands!!

# data[].attributes.body
This is such a cute idea to go along with the previous post on bucket filling. You can actually have students "fill" that person's bucket when they doing something kind. This would make it more rewarding for them as well!

# data[].attributes.body
I loved playing with this ball in elementary school! It was always so much fun because you never knew what you were going to get. It was never used in this way though. I think using it as a get to know you activity would be extremely beneficial and fun for students.

# data[].attributes.body
You can use posters similar to this one to help students self-reflect. This will make communication between students be more effective.

# data[].attributes.body
I remember doing this same activity when I was in school and everyone loved it! We hung them up in the hallway so that other students could guess as well which helps to build the school community!

# data[].attributes.body
This is a tiered activity to get students thinking about what a good friend is, and what qualities they are looking for in a friend. The article called it a "Friend Warm-up" because this activity is based off the principle that this is a "get to know you" activity for students to realize the commonalities between themselves and their peers. https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/iteach-third-13897747/back-to-school-friend-wanted-ads-4459005480

# data[].attributes.body
I came across the idea to post a classroom blog that the students help the teacher create. This can be published on the school website or sent home in the newsletter. It could even be posted on the page the teacher uses to communicate with parents (i.e. Class Dojo). It is important to get other people involved in the structure of the classroom.

# data[].attributes.body
each students get to create "Themselves" and their work can be displayed around the classroom. Students will pick up on things they have in common with others

# data[].attributes.body
This cite contains a list of picture books and activities to go along with them. This I would probably use on the first day to relay different messages to children about their personalities as  well as others! https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/blog-posts/alycia-zimmerman/building-classroom-community-picture-books/

# data[].attributes.body
There are many ways a teacher can begin to build classroom community even before we even meet our students!!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A Chicago teacher is determined to show his students that school is cool - and that working hard can be lots of fun.

Dwayne Reed, a first-year teacher, got creative when he thought about how to get his students pumped for the upcoming school year.

He decided to collaborate with local talent to write a rap song and shoot a music video, "instead of sending out the boring, old, 'Welcome Back' newsletter."

That music video, posted to YouTube last Saturday, had more than 36,000 views on Tuesday.

Mr. Reed used the song to share ideas about how he plans to make lessons memorable...

"It's my first year teaching, so it's all real exciting.
Got some ideas and I'd really like to try them.
Like making songs to remember what you hear.
We'll be learning so much by the end of the year."

...and stressed how important it is for the whole community to work together to help children succeed.
"Tell my friends and my peers, the parents and the students.
I'm ready, you're ready, we're ready, let's do this!
But absolutely no day dreaming. Working hard till the bell starts ringing."

I'll always greet you with a smile.
I'll always try to make the lessons worthwhile.
When you do good work, I'll acknowledge,
Because I know you're headed off to work or to college.

So we gotta keep it positive. That's the key.
Have respect for each other - and don't forget me.
Have respect for yourselves and the staff and the school.
Having fun can be cool when we're following the rules."
Good luck on your first year teaching, Mr. Reed!

Good teachers do not give students a voice; they give them the time and space for their voice to be heard.
- Dwayne Reed (@TeachMrReed) April 4, 2016

Additional credit:
Artist: Dwayne Reed
Producer: Stevo Thompson
Director: Ty Gotham

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teacher pens rap song to inspire students

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A Chicago teacher is determined to show his students that school is cool - and that working hard can be lots of fun. Dwayne Reed, a first-year teacher, got creative when he thought about how to get his students pumped for the upcoming school year.

# data[].attributes.body
I love this idea because often times, children are big worriers! Having this made up and talked about will let them know what to expect from the teacher and each other.

# data[].attributes.body
This article discusses tips to keep in mind when considering classroom community. It also discusses bringing other people outside of the classroom into the room to help build the environment.

# data[].attributes.body
This Article discusses 8 simple ways to build classroom community in a positive way. http://thepositiveclassroom.org/8-excellent-activities-for-building-community-in-your-classroom/

# data[].attributes.body
Clearly, this is a college classroom, but I found many of the ideas were applicable to a younger age classroom!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.entities[].name
Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Building Community in the Classroom: A Teaching Philosophy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dr. Isabel Grayson discusses why community in the classroom is important. She then shares a technique to quickly build it.

# data[].attributes.body
I think icebreakers can be a really fun way to get out of your comfort zone, build communication skills, and learn about others. this cite lists numerous fun ones for the classroom environment. http://www.worksheetlibrary.com/teachingtips/icebreakers.html

# data[].attributes.body
This is an article about classroom community and what it looks like and sounds like in a classroom. I just thought it was a nice summary of some ideas! https://www.teachingchannel.org/blog/2012/09/10/14-ways-to-cultivate-classroom-chemistry/

# data[].attributes.body
This is a great teaching moment to demonstrate the effects of our choices on others

# data[].attributes.body
This is an amazing way to show community because each individual student decorates their own heart and then they all form together to make something beautiful! (Similar to the puzzle idea)

# data[].attributes.body
When we talked about this in class, I knew instantly that I wanted to incorporate this idea into my classroom! It is a nice short phrase to keep kids on task!

# data[].attributes.body
This would be a great way to encourage students to lift each other up! It would build a lot of confidence to have students recognizing the good in each other!

# data[].attributes.body
This is an awesome alternative to tattling and i think it would encourage students to focus more on the positive!

# data[].attributes.body
i adored this cute little jar! I think it is amazing to value the little things and it is a great visual to show the impact of all of their compliments and kindness!

# data[].attributes.body
This is actually a STEM team building activity. I have actually done the activity highlighted in the article. We took it a step further and moved throughout the building while trying to keep the item balanced. This required and immense amount of communication and collaboration. Some people had to wrap their strings around their hand to make them shorter. Each individual played a vital role in the success! http://stemactivitiesforkids.com/2015/12/10/team-building-for-stem-challenges/#more-502

# data[].attributes.body
I absolutely loved this visual of a community. It is a spectacular way to view diversity as an asset and each student is showcased. This way, it is clear that they are one big piece that works together.

# data[].attributes.body
This would be an interesting way to incorporate writing into a community building activity. This could also be done during a writing center time. There are specific journals for different topics and students can write about different topics. This allows students to relate to each other on many levels. I remember in school, we made different types of books and my teachers made copies and we all got to keep them. I know I still have mine somewhere!

# data[].attributes.body
Just like I think it is important to begin the day on a positive note, I also think it is important to end the day the same way. The end of the day jar will provide students with an opportunity to share about their day with their peers. I would probably use this as a reward for students at the end of the week.

# data[].attributes.body
This cite has a variety of different books to help minimize tattling and maximize kindness. It is important to convey our rules in multiple ways and allowing students to get the information out of a book will hopefully hit home for them. By turning their focus on kindness, the classroom community will benefit. http://learningwithmrslangley.blogspot.com/2016/04/tattling-troubles-fostering-kindness-in.html

# data[].attributes.body
Having a successful morning meeting is an important part of starting the day out on a positive note! That is why I liked this link because it discussed many aspects of the morning meeting and gave suggestions for activities and planning.
http://teachoutsidethebox.com/2015/06/how-to-make-morning-meeting-the-best-part-of-your-day-2/

# data[].attributes.body
This is a great way for students to set short term goals for themselves. By posting them on the board, students will hold themselves more accountable and other students will support them in meeting their goals.