Community Circle

Back in October I had you reflect on the following:
1. What would a positive classroom environment look like to you? (What are students doing? 
What is the teacher doing? How does it feel?)
-A respectful space where people listen to one another and are engaged
-Students are eager to learn, pay attention to speaker; teacher takes time to ask for student questions
-No disruptions in the learning
-It should be a respectful environment so people aren't afraid to speak up or answer questions
-Classroom feels calm
-Students are working diligently 
-Everyone engaging in the work
-Students doing work and not talking so we can move faster and get more done
-Students listen and are respectful; teacher feels respected

2. Why is a positive classroom environment important?
-So it's just a more pleasant space in general
-It helps students learn and be more successful
-So that everyone can learn without being disrupted or feeling disrespected
-It's easier for people to learn when they're happier
-Provides students with an opportunity to learn and gain knowledge
-If a class gives off a bad vibe it's hard to learn and pay attention
-Because when things are crazy and people are distracting the teacher has to stop and talk to them, taking my learning time away from me
-So students can work efficiently
-That's when you get learning done and create new memories and learning experiences.
-So students can do what we came here to do, which is learn

3. What are three things I can do to contribute positively to our classroom community?
-Include others
-Follow the class agreements
-Ask questions if I don't understand
-Stay on task & focused, encourage others to do the same
-Not distract others
-Have fun!
-Clean up after myself
-Help others if needed
-Listen and don't interrupt the speaker
-Participate and stay engaged 
-Listen to my peers

-Be a leader, model what others should be doing

Warm Up Questions:
1. On a scale of 1-5, how comfortable are you with our classroom culture? (5 being very comfortable, 1 is very uncomfortable)
I view culture as the the overall vibe and mood of the room. Positive classroom culture leads to more opportunities for you as students to positively connect with the content, your peers, and me as your teacher. 

2. What things do you value (and not value) as a member of this class? What's important?

3. How do you think your words and actions impact the other members of this class? Consider race, gender, and culture. 


Community Circle
-Introduce protocol 
-Come to consensus on norms
-Dialogue is started 
-Debrief and Reflection

Four Agreements 

1. Stay engaged​: Staying engaged means “remaining morally, emotionally, intellectually, and socially involved in the dialogue” 

2. Experience discomfort​: This norm acknowledges that discomfort is inevitable and that participants make a commitment to bring issues into the open. It is through dialogue, even when uncomfortable, the healing and change begin. 

3. Speak your truth​: This means being open about thoughts and feelings and not just saying what you think others want to hear. 

4. Expect and accept non­closure​: This agreement asks participants to “hang out in uncertainty” and not rush to quick solutions, requires ongoing dialogue 

Reflection Exit Ticket
On your Warm Up paper, answer:
4. What did you get out of today's conversation? What do you still need and/or wonder about?