In the post-pandemic classroom, it's more important than ever to begin the school year by building a strong sense of trust and community. Using the Make Meaning and Big Paper teaching techniques, groups develop a definition of community and share their ideas with others. To complete the lesson, class members fill out an exit card on which they describe a community they belong to and explain what makes them feel like a part of that community.

Concepts

social-emotional learning, building community, school community, social awareness, Social & Emotional Learning

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Instructional Ideas

• Have class members brainstorm a list of communities one might belong to

Classroom Considerations

• A projection device is needed for the PowerPOint presentation
• A link to an overview of the entire series is located in the Included Materials
• Seventh of 10 lessons in the First Days of School series
• Requires copies of the "My Community Exit Card," chart paper, and colored markers
• Provides a link for instructors who are unfamiliar with the Make Meaning thinking  routine

Pros

• The exit card gives instructions and additional insight into their pupils

Cons

• None