What I want for my students

This 4^th of July week, perhaps appropriately, has been a reminder of the power of the community.

From the rallying of the family to tear down our old deck to the contributions of teacher Fellows who have just completed an intensive three-week summer seminar, I’ve been reminded that in community we grow together, even in unexpected ways.

The backyard renovation project seems to have started an eternity ago, but this holiday weekend we made a measurable dent in the demolition of the huge deck that surrounded our 30’ pool.  It was a success because each of us brought a little different strength to the overall task.  

For example, my husband fired up his old Allis Chalmers tractor, finally able to use its hydraulic brutishness to knock over the 4 x 4 uprights. Middle son Ted used his need for cash to spur him to extraordinary feats with the crowbar, attacking 12 foot long deck boards, even in the intense heat of the day.  Youngest son John toted and stacked board after nail-infested board on the trailer bound for the city recycling center.  An uncle welded the hitch that broke and stalled progress for only a couple of hours.  Even the neighbors kindly tolerated our un-Fourth-ish racket as boards cracked, hammers pounded, and Allis chugged throughout their holiday celebrations.  The backyard has changed, improved. And so have those who together are making it happen.

On Thursday, teachers from across Indiana shared their insights and accomplishments at the Summer Institute Celebration of Indiana Writing Project.  Each teacher, all from different levels of experience and educational philosophies spoke about their significant takeaways from their three weeks together.  And, perhaps more importantly, how their journey together had changed them.  It was an impactful testimony to the power of community.

In both cases, by the end of their time together, each person had learned a little more about how to do his own task more effectively, how to assist with the challenges of others, and  how useful patience and tolerance can be.  Together, as a community, everyone grew and achieved. 

That’s what I want for my students.

As July begins and my weeks of summer freedom are numbered, now comes the challenge of creating a community for a new group of students. But as this new year begins, I want to move beyond using interest inventories and team building activites.  Maybe into service learning or project-based learning… something that has authentic purpose and positive outcomes for all.

How do you see community at work in your life?  In your classroom?  How do you foster a sense of community?  In what ways have you seen it impact motivation or achievement in your students?