community building

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Home : 2002 : August : 18

community building
By JB

One activity I do the first few weeks of school is to have the kids share their "friendship baskets". I tie this in with Mem Fox's book, Wilfred Gordon McDonald Patridge, which connects the idea of putting things in a basket or box that tell a memory or special thing about you. In the basket they put about 5 small items such as a picture of their family, a basball card (instead of the whole collection) a favorite book, a soccer trophy, etc.
I share my basket as well and everyone learns about eachother. I assign a few kids a day. I also ask some questions and keep notes (pet names, grandparents nearby? who they live with, etc. I think this is a wonderful community builder and that encourages a 'family' atmosphere!