I think just about all of us are back to school at this point, with about 10,000 things to do, not enough time, and not nearly enough folks to help. It’s easy to get lost in the “what’s next” of it all. I’m thinking a lot about the things that make all the difference- learning and using names, making time to play and laugh together, building shared agreements through a Give to Get, and practicing the routines, processes, and systems that you’ll need all year long. The Collaborative Learning Community is the foundation for everything else, so taking the time to build it intentionally and carefully not just in these first days, but all year long can make the difference between a good year and a great one.
That’s why we’re excited to announce the release of the latest edition of Building the Collaborative Learning Community. This free ebook provides not just community builders, but also important information about the whys, hows, and whats of the CLC, so you can curate just the right activities for the right stage of group development. We hope you’ll share the link with your colleagues!
My first days of school are a lot different today than they’ve been in years past. I don’t have anyone to walk to the bus or the door and my students are all inside my computer. I’m meeting new folks just the same, building community through course plans designed just for them. I’m getting to know them so I can help them move toward their personal and professional goals in a way that fits who they are at this moment and who they aspire to be in the future. In my courses (Classroom Practice 1 and Educational Philosophy & Change), I’m building community by allowing the time necessary for students from all over the world to find places where their lives, experiences, and beliefs overlap.
I hope that as you start year number whatever-this-may-be, you’re able to find moments of joy, laughter, and connection in your new community. Don’t forget to be in touch if we can help- it’s what we’re here for!
This is one in a series of letters from Laura included in our monthly newsletter, Connections. Sign up and get these letters straight to your inbox- plus first access to new publications, tools, news, and events.