I came across this a few years ago, and started implementing in my classroom! My students loved it and I saw immediate engagement. When I had a homeroom, I would also put a positive attribute that students exhibited throughout the week (or weeks) on their name tag on the desk. This also engaged students! How do you build a strong community with your students through the year?

Do you use desk pets? How do you organize them and how do your students earn them?

One of the toughest things (but also most rewarding when the mindset shift occurs) is students believing that they can do whatever it is you are asking them to do. As a math interventionist, I work with students who, based on test scores, are struggling in math. While I know that one test score (or even a few) don't define a student, unfortunately, the score(s) travel with them. Once I start meeting with students, I can usually see pretty quickly that some of their 'struggle' has nothing to do with math, it has to do with mindset. We have very honest and real conversations about their experiences in math and what they like vs. what they don't like (or haven't liked in the past). It happens over time, and I recognize that my job is far different than others, but it begins the same: building relationships with students is the foundation to success. Once a student becomes mine, I begin building their confidence slowly and surely by being their biggest cheerleader. I ask that teachers share with me successes in the classroom too so that I can be excited for them. What are some ways you help students build their confidence?

I am always looking for new brain breaks! What are some of your favorites?

How do you celebrate student birthdays or other celebrations?

What are your strategies for building trust with students who seem withdrawn or reluctant to engage?

Each student is different. Here are some ideas that I have used.
1. Go back to your beginning of the year student surveys. Find an interest of this student and build it into a lesson. Mention their name as you talk about this interest.
2. Warn this student quietly that you are going to ask them to answer the next question so they are prepared.
3. Give the student a note with a positive message or email the parent with a positive message.
4. Ask the student to help you do something to prepare for a lesson. Draw the picture. Set up the equipment. Engage the student in a conversation while you do this.

What other strategies have you tried?

How do you welcome new students to your classroom when they arrive 2-6 months after the school year has started?

Working in partners/groups vs. working independently:
One of the best ideas I decided to try out a couple of years ago was creating an anchor chart with students about what each of these looks like and sounds like. (I tried to find a picture of my chart I made my last year as a classroom teacher but couldn't find it!) Students often know what these should look and sound like but having the discussion with them and having them come up with the expectations is so powerful. I've had students have very real and vulnerable conversations that during independent work, the student needs quiet to really do their best work. The way my classes have changed after that vulnerability was drastic. Students (at least elementary age) sometimes believe that teachers are just asking for silence for silence sake; when really it is to give students an opportunity to show their best work. But when it comes from a fellow student, the impact is greater. How do you set up students to be successful in small groups and independently?