We are constantly scanning our environment for cues that tell us if we are connected to others around us. We watch others’ body language for nods, affirmations, smiles, grimacing, head turns. Help students find skills and language to be inclusive of their peers while still maintaining appropriate boundaries. Incorporate teaching practices that build student-student rapport.

• Design opportunities for students to build a sense of community.
• Create a system for everyone to call each other by name.
• Design activities where students engage with each other on a regular basis.
• Help students learn how to communicate equitably and productively with each other.
• Encourage students to be experts and consider allowing them to teach concepts to each other.
• Provide opportunities for students to work with others – and for students to see the value of diverse perspectives
• Support positive and productive discourse in class, even when students don’t agree.