Making puppets may not seem like the obvious choice for building community, but it works.

Each step of the process requires groups to pass on instructions to the next person who needs it. 

We've already established that there are 30 of them and 1 of me, so resources are limited.  So it teaches them that the fastest way to get help is NOT ME.

So they start to rely on each other, and they stop seeing me as having all the answers.  

I also started using ClassDojo to help the groups bond.  There are lots of chances for students to earn some Dojo points, such as figuring out the reading logs using just by website, or subscribing to my Google Calendar, or even just returning their MinecraftEDU permission slips.

Having the entire group finish the task means more Dojo points.  The little bit of added motivation pushes them support struggling classmates.  It's a win-win.

Neither one of these tips is earth-shattering.  But they are the start of a year-long process that builds community.

I was never very good at talking to parents.  I was always closer in age to my students than their parents.  Parents intimidated me.  They always seemed scary, especially because phone calls were the way to get in touch with them.

I'm not a phone call person.  I mean, really.  I'm always shocked when people actually answer the phone, because I don't.  Ever.

But when I moved down to 6th grade, I knew I needed to change all of that.  Except the phone thing.  Still not budging on that one.

So I made a video and sent out a parent form.  This year, I made a video for the whole 6th grade Humanities team and all of used a version of the parent feedback google form.

Frankly, it's one of the most useful things I do all year.