Chapter 2
In This Chapter
What I’ve Tried
Children can use this map to draw and/or write what is “inside their hearts” while finding out what is near and dear to each other.
For me, one of the most important thoughts included in this chapter, comes at the end when the author reminds us that, “building a community isn’t just a first-week-of-school-thing.” While beginning-of-year, get-to-know-you type of activities definitely have their place (you can find mine here), it’s been my experience that providing time for a daily meeting to talk with the children about current classroom happenings such as project work, behavior, or home-school connections is essential to building the relationships necessary for inquiry work. Through this structure, children share ideas, contribute to problem solving, and come to know that their contributions are valued. You can read about my journey toward this type of meeting here!
What I’d Like to Try
It also makes me think of an idea that has stayed with me for a long time, but I have yet to try, which is simply having the children engage with books upon arrival. Check out this video by kindergarten teacher and author Sue Kempton, who writes a lot about this morning book time in her books, The Literate Kindergarten and her more recent work, Let’s Find Out! I’ve also seen (and I can’t remember where) the idea of a “book blanket,” which was a circular blanket laid out each morning for the children upon arrival and filled with books for them to explore – such a lovely, welcoming idea!
Your Turn
Thanks for stopping by!
Chapter 1: Demonstrate Your Own Curiosity
Chapter 2: Investigate Ourselves and Our Classmates
Chapter 3: Capture and Honor Kids’ Questions
Chapter 4: Begin the Day with Soft Starts
Chapter 5: Check Our News Feed
Chapter 6: Hang Out with an Expert
Chapter 7: Pursue Kids’ Own Questions with Mini-Inquiries
Chapter 8: Address Curricular Units with Mini-Inquiries
Chapter 9: Lean Into a Crisis
Ana says
I recently bought this book and have only skimmed so far so this will be very timely! Thank you for this! Your entire blog is great! Love the authenticity and child centered-ness (is that a word?! Lol). I teach first grade but find your kindergarten posts very inspiring! Agree that the first weeks of the year really set the tone for building community but it shouldn't stop there … needs to be ongoing. Responsive Clsssroom books, online videos, and blog posts are very helpful with this! Ana
Jackie Clarke says
Hi Ana! Glad to have you reading along with me! Yes, responsive classroom aligns well with this and are great resources for those looking to build community. Do you have a favorite Responsive Classroom book or even a video that was especially helpful to you?