How Do I Build Community In My Classroom

It is all about relationships for me. I make it a goal of mine to learn something about every student every week. The faster a solid relationship can be built the the faster trust will set in for all parties involved. Too many times I hear students say "my teachers know nothing about me," I find that sad and then ask myself why you/they became a teacher.

I will try and explain a couple things I do to build that trust and community. 1) learn my kids names ASAP. 2) Get down and dirty with them on projects and lessons while learning with those students. 3) When a student asks a question that I do not know the answer to I always tell them "I don't know, but lets find out."  4) Show them how successful they can be when working in a small group.

Any AP class is a hard class for students, or at least for some students. For students to grow and be successful academically they need to know that teamwork and communication is key.  Trying to analyze 4 different historical thinking skills can be extremely difficult to understand and comprehend. If you can communicate those skills on paper you are going to have great success in the class and in future class.

How do we stop negative attitudes from coming into my classroom?  I understand we are in a tough educational setting in Michigan, but what can be done to stop the negativity?