I make room for “Community Time” each week and we love it!
What is it?
A time for kids to share a quick personal story. First graders often share about weekend experiences, pets, or upcoming plans, but it can be about anything. We listen to our friends, sit quietly, learn more about each other, and make connections to some of the things in our lives outside of school. During this time, we do not have the audience ask questions or make comments after…instead, on each Friday, we have a Sharing Day where students can bring an item, tell about it, and take questions or comments from classmates.
When?
Ten minutes, right before clean up, on Monday afternoon. I’ve done it where the whole class gets a chance to speak, but also where boys and girls alternate Mondays (if you have larger class numbers).
How?
We sit in a big circle together at our meeting area. I introduce Community Time on the first day of school by sharing a quick story of my own and then going around the circle to let any other kids share if they are ready. Many first graders are a bit shy the first day, but usually open up by the second week! After a student shares their story (or passes), they say the name of the next person….it’s great for name practice at the beginning of the year!
Why?
I started this with my Kindergarten class my very first year of teaching and I’ve done it all the way up to Third Grade.
- Practices listening skills by having students learn to sit quietly and listen to others.
- We build community and learn about our friends.
- Helps us learn each other’s names at the beginning of the year.
- Students find things that they have in common, such as same neighborhoods, extracurricular activities, pets, and more!
- I often use their ideas to help prompt them during Writer’s Workshop/Journals if they aren’t sure what to write about.
- Low pressure, low anxiety, but kids can still “pass” if they don’t feel like sharing on a particular day.
- Can be used for a Speaking and Listening grade if you desire.
Let me know if you do something like this in your classroom!!
