Community Building and Friendships
About these videos
The videos you will see in this section illustrate a variety of ways that teachers seek to build community in their classrooms. It’s tempting to think, “Well building community has little to do with actually learning academic skills!” And you would be wrong. When a classroom community is built students have resources from both the teacher and other students in the class who can provide assistance.
I was talking with Mishael Hittie the other day, now a 2nd grade teacher. One student who had difficulty reading was also not doing well in his math work. She was talking with Rod (not his real name) and called over 4 other students. “Now I know each of you have a hard time reading but you are doing your math work that involves reading. How do you handle this?” And one by one students described how they got help from other students — like getting them to read the math problem. The student went away with 4 related strategies for getting his math work done. When students are committed to being part of a community they have 24 sources of help.
Having conversations with respect
In this video the teacher, Mishael Hittie, is having a conversation with kids about different shapes. Note how respectful her conversation is with the students. She asks questions, listens, and restates responses, helping students feel heard.
Morning meeting in first grade
Sue facilitates a daily morning meeting to build community. Students greet each other, share personal experiences, sing together, and engage in joyful routines that promote mutual care and belonging.
Building community in 3 elementary classrooms
This video shows three classrooms with students of varied abilities learning together. Students support peers with disabilities and participate fully in discussions and activities.
Circle of Friends Meet
Students discuss how to support a peer who needs assistance. The teacher encourages reflection, listening, and collaborative problem solving.
Student with severe disability welcomed by peers
A student with a significant disability is supported by peers while walking to the gym, demonstrating acceptance and inclusion.
Two students reading together
Students at different reading levels read together while a co-teaching special educator provides guidance, benefiting both learners.
Gym teacher talks
A gym teacher reflects on students’ acceptance of peers with disabilities.
Peer tutoring
Students tutor one another, including peers with significant disabilities, reinforcing learning and empathy.
Student with disability with friends on playground
Students interact joyfully with a peer with disabilities during recess.
Girls helping a student
Several girls assist a student with severe disabilities, gaining empathy and collaborative skills.
Consultant Susanne Frank discusses friendships between high school students
High school students discuss friendships formed through inclusive education.