Module 1 - Session 3
BUILDING CLASSROOM COMMUNITY ACROSS LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
Shifting to Teaching Across Learning Environments (TALE)
GETTING STARTED
OVERVIEW
Welcome to TALE Academy Module 1: Shifting to Teaching Across Learning Environments (TALE)!
Goal – The goal of this module is to prepare educators to intentionally design and offer learning experiences that build upon the opportunities provided by different learning environments and formats.
Module Content – This module consists of 10 sessions that will support shifting to teaching across learning environments. Each session contains a variety of content and learning activities.
Session Content – You are beginning Module 1 – Session 3: Building Classroom Community Across Learning Environments.
MODULE WORKBOOK
If you have not yet downloaded your personal copy of the TALE Academy Workbook for this module, do so now. See directions below. There is only one workbook for each module which contains activities for all sessions within that module.
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Step 1: Create your personal copy of the Module 1 TALE Academy Workbook.
Throughout this session, you will complete the session activities and take notes in the Module 1 TALE Academy Workbook. You will have many opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills you learn using your digital workbook. When you click on the Module 1 TALE Academy Workbook link, you will be prompted to make a copy of the workbook. Once you do so, your notes and your work within your workbook will be visible only to you. Please note that the workbook is fillable using Google Slides. We do not recommend printing a copy due to the length of the workbook.
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Step 2: Get familiar with the Module 1 TALE Academy Workbook.
Now that you have your personal copy of the workbook, review pages 1-7 to learn about the workbook’s contents and tips for using the workbook. Don’t forget to add your name to page 1 to personalize your workbook!
Step 3: Review “Key Terms” for Session 3 in the Module 1 TALE Academy Workbook.
Your last step is to review the key terms for Session 3. For every TALE Academy session, the key terms are listed at the start of each new session in the workbook. You can return to the key terms page(s) of your workbook throughout this session to add your notes.
GUIDING QUESTIONS & LEARNING OBJECTIVES
GUIDING QUESTIONS
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What are the key elements to creating a supportive and welcoming classroom across learning environments?
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How does a sense of classroom community help students thrive, both academically and socially?
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What changes do I need to make to ensure that my classroom environment welcomes all students, regardless of their learning modality (in person, hybrid, remote)?
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this session, you will be able to do the following:
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Identify elements of a positive classroom environment that transcend modality (in person, hybrid, remote).
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Recognize the eight phases of instruction and strategies to build classroom community in and across each phase.
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Describe how student-led learning leads to a sense of belonging and empowerment.
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Identify a community-building strategy and a supporting technology tool to help you implement the strategy in your classroom.
ENGAGE: ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE
LEARN FROM OTHERS:
VOICES FROM THE FIELD
The following video highlights the reflections of New York State educators on what’s essential to sustain a strong community regardless of the educational setting.
WORKBOOK
ACTIVITY
To activate your prior knowledge on the topic, please complete the following steps:
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In your copy of the Module 1 TALE Academy Workbook, complete Activity 1.3.1 – Climate Check.
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If you have not already created your personal copy of the Module 1 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy of the workbook.
EXPLORE: TOPIC OVERVIEW
READ, WATCH, LISTEN
Select from the learning modalities below to explore an overview of the topic for this session. You may read a magazine-style article, watch a video, or listen to a conversational podcast.
You need to select only one option: read, watch, or listen.
As you read, watch, or listen, consider pausing and reviewing the key terms for this session in your workbook. You can add your own notes, ideas for application, or definitions of the terms in your own words.
READ
Dive into our Module 1 – Session 3 READ, a magazine-style overview of the session topic with infographics and links to resources.
WATCH
Tune into our Module 1 – Session 3 WATCH, a narrated, animated video that provides an overview of the session topic.
LISTEN
Settle in for our Module 1 – Session 3 LISTEN, a conversational, podcast-style discussion among educators about the session topic.
EXPLORE: CHOICE BOARD
Select one option from the choices offered below to learn more.
You should explore BOTH resources for whichever option you choose (read, watch, or listen), but you are welcome to explore all the resources!
A Supportive Classroom Environment: Community Building and A Supportive Classroom Environment: Belonging and Emotional Safety
Synopsis: These two articles from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning focus on fostering a supportive classroom environment through developing shared agreements, affirming student identities, and establishing consistent routines and procedures.
Format: Webpages
Time: 15 minutes
Every Kid Needs a Champion and A Student-Centered Model of Blended Learning
Synopsis: In the first video, renowned educator Rita Pierson gives a moving Ted Talk on the need for and power of building student-teacher relationships. In the second video from Edutopia, teachers at Eastern Senior High School in Washington, D.C., discuss the benefits of using blended learning to help students learn at their own pace. The technique not only empowers students and gives them choice but also reduces their anxiety and builds their independence.
Format: Videos
Time: 14 minutes
Creating Welcoming Classroom Environments (5:18 to 21:15)
Synopsis: Berit Gordon, author of The Joyful Teacher: Strategies for Becoming the Teacher Every Student Deserves, talks about the importance of creating a space – in any learning environment – where students feel they belong. Gordon gives fundamental strategies that teachers can use and discusses the importance of maintaining the social-emotional well-being of our students and ourselves.
Format: Podcast
Time: 16 minutes (selection), 30 minutes (entire podcast)
ESTABLISH: REFLECTION FOR ACTION
WORKBOOK ACTIVITY
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Return to your copy of the Module 1 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 1.3.2 – Match a Strategy.
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If you have not already made your personal copy of the Module 1 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy of the workbook.
EXTEND: DEEPER LEARNING
Extend your learning by engaging in a longer workbook activity and/or accessing additional resources.
This section is designed to help you begin a journey into deeper learning on the topic area.
WORKBOOK ACTIVITY
Return to your copy of the Module 1 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 1.3.3 – Test Drive Technology. If you have not already made your personal copy of the Module 1 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy of the workbook.
Time: 20 minutes
ADDITIONAL
RESOURCES
7 Things Teachers Say to Create a Supportive Classroom
Topic: Common phrases that teachers can use to build a warm, supportive, and safe learning environment
Format: Blog
Time: 6 minutes
Topic: Strategies to foster belonging in the classroom
Format: Journal Article
Time: 6 minutes
Consistency and Predictability
Topic: The need for predictability for students and ideas for the first five minutes of class and transitions
Format: Article
Time: 10 minutes
Techniques for Building Belonging in the Classroom
Topic: The importance of building a sense of belonging in the classroom and across the school
Format: Video
Time: 4 minutes
Building Classroom Community Through Daily Dedications
Topic: A strategy for building trust, positivity, and reflection among students
Format: Video
Time: 4 minutes
Topic: Using clear, direct instruction to teach everyday classroom routines
Format: Video
Time: 2 minutes