It's that time of the year, folks! While you're on your Dollar Tree/Target, run listen to my Babyface concert story, I had a ball. Oh, and special for August, I mention a few activities you can use to build community in your class. This year may be different because of what kids learned and may not have learned last year; because of what you may or may not be able to talk about in your class; or even because the last 18 months have shaken you to your core and changed your priorities as an educator. One thing that has not changed is the fact that all good years begin with good relationships. Here are a few tips and strategies for doing just that. 

Happy back to school!

5 ways to promote class unity and understanding:

1. Explore diverse perspectives by having students discover and retell a family history story from a grandparent or older relative or adult.Bonus points if they bring artifacts—or the relative!

2. Promote media literacy by allowing students to examine the story of the week using AllSides Media.

3. Celebrate learning by having students share what they learned or a challenge they overcame during the pandemic. Here are some examples.

4. Develop leadership skills in your students by appointing app captains to coach other students (and you too) in the usage and mastery of school related ed tech applications.

5. Build community and teach civil discourse by allowing students to lead discussions on current events or possibly controversial topics.

Visit Hedreich.com for more resources.