An empty classroom filled with desks and inviting decorations begs for life, energy and community.
A new school year creates images of a fresh start – a beginning that becomes a beautiful middle and even better end – a chance to become ONE, a cohesive group – a community.
But building a community takes intentionality in action, planning, but especially words that are used to build up and build in to those coming together as one. Words that are spoken in love, words that encourage and words that assure that each person is an important piece of the community. My job is to teach, but what this really means is that you create a classroom community based on respect that values working together and doing their best each day they walk through the doors. Not an easy task and one that takes prayer and God’s hand in order for the end to become even better than the beginning and the middle.
Each person is gifted with a uniqueness that should be highlighted and developed so they feel a sense of belonging in the community. As each shell is so lovingly discovered among the sand granules and its beauty is revealed, so will our identities add to the whole because of the gifts we bring.
My prayer for all my students as the year begins is to help me see each child for who they are and what they can contribute to our classroom. Each child has a beauty that when added with all the others completes our community.
One simple act, a few simple words lays the foundation for the beginnings of a community. Adding layers of encouragement and caring builds the group into a cohesive whole.
Community becomes stronger when the words we intentionally use build into others.
We are lucky to have many people, who are unique individuals, join together in one setting. Working hard to encourage and create a sense of belonging allows a community to flourish. Being intentional with our words provides not only an initial invitation, but a chance to grow because each individual’s gifts are recognized and valued.
9-10 So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith. Galatians 6:9-10 MSG
Please join me in prayer that teachers everywhere focus on building community with their students and are intentional in choosing words that build into instead of tear down.
Blessings,
Mary
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Linking with Kaitlyn Bouchillon at It Just Takes One
Your BEST post that I have read so far!! Love how the last Scripture passage summed up everything you were saying. BEAUTIFUL!! So encouraging. I talked about the classroom being my students’ home away from home and how we make a “family.” I will expect them to build each other up, and I will help them see they are fearfully and wonderfully made!
I can tell you are a great teacher, Mary! Your students are so fortunate to have you as their teacher. May you lead and love them well this year. xoxo
Thank you friend! I pray each day that all I do in the classroom and out honors God. Since this is my last year I want to make it the best ever.
Teachers have such power to influence children, and it gladdens my heart to see how you pray intentionally to always build up. What a positive community your classroom must be! You are such a blessing to those kids.
Thanks, Jen! Today was the first day and it was amazing! God was at the center even though I’m in a public school and I can’t say His name out loud. It was a beautiful day!
Oh AMEN! It’s so important to share words of truth with these young lives.
In our crazy, mixed up world we need to intentionally love on all children and let them know they are valued by us and by God. Keep praying for all teachers and students this year!
Awesome. I wish I had had more teachers like you along the way …
You prompt me to pray.
Thank you for praying! I had an amazing first day and each day I hope the children leave knowing they are loved and capable of being whatever they want to be. You keep me going friend and for that I am so grateful!
May God bless the children starting a new school year and their teachers.
Thank you Karen! Keep praying!
Joining you in praying for all teachers, Mary. I know it can’t always be easy with all those young ones in one room but it truly is an opportunity to teach them about belonging. The words used inside of a class room can have such a lasting impact. May we all come together to encourage and build up teachers to help them do the same for those who fill their room. God bless. xoxo
Community truly is a about a sense of belonging and when building community in a classroom the words we use can make all the difference. Thank you for praying and understanding the importance of a teacher’s job. Blessed you stopped by! I love seeing your smiling face.