Building community in the classroom involves interactions.
Children (and adults) need to greet each other each day. The skill of positive interactions is one I am proud to teach because it is one they will need for the rest of their lives.
I think we can agree, handshakes are out. But there are parts to the handshake that have value: a moment of "connection," eye contact, a greeting, and a respect for the other person.
I've come up with a list of 25 different greetings that students can do as part of a morning greeting, and end of school meeting, or simply saying hello to their teacher in the morning. Plus, they can be done in online meetings as well!
Here they are:
#6: Smile with your eyes!
#7: Jazz hands!
#13: Blow air kisses!
#22: Bow to each other!
#23: Wink at each other!
#24: Give each other the home alone face! (Without really touching your face, of course!)
Well there, now you have 25 ways to start or end your day that can be used in a socially distant classroom or during remote learning!
Here are some other ways to build community and team work in the classroom:
Building Friendships Boom Cards