Dr. Jeff Jacobs, an expert educator and camp director, said that one of the keys to creating a strong sense of community, particularly for children, is simply noticing.
"It can be as simple as telling a student who was absent that you noticed they were gone," Dr. Jacobs said during a two-day visit to Chicago City Day School. "It makes the student feel like they belong and their presence matters."
Dr. Jacobs, a former professor who earned a Ph.D in Education from the University of Minnesota, spoke this week with City Day students, teachers, and parents about the importance of building strong communities.
He said he began researching community while teaching at Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, California. He found that the No. 1 reason why young people drop out of school, sports programs, and other organized activities is that they don't feel a strong sense of community.
"Whatever group we're in, it's absolutely vital that we feel that we belong," he said.
Dr. Jacobs led separate workshops for students, teachers, and parents while at City Day. He met with City Day's faculty and staff first, then led a session for parents. He met with students in grades 5 through 8 the next day.
"We're very thankful to Dr. Jacobs for spending time with our school community," said Megan Clarahan, City Day's Assistant Head of School/Director of Faculty. "He encouraged each group to reflect on ways we can become even more intentional in our interactions. In each session, he took time for the group to get to know one another better. The sessions were marked by genuine connection, teamwork, and plenty of shared laughter.”
Dr. Jacobs began each workshop with interactive games designed to get the participants talking to, and learning about, one another. In one activity, participants paired up and asked each other questions found on cards, such as "Would you rather be the world's greatest racquetball player, or find $65 on the street?" The pair then switched cards and split up to find other people to ask.
In another game, pairs of people linked arms and then tried to tag other pairs while walking around the room.
After the games, Dr. Jacobs talked about how simple behavioral choices can make all the difference when trying to build community — actions like smiling, remembering names, and asking people to talk about themselves.
He added that many of City Day's practices contribute to the strong sense of community that he felt at the school. He cited our focus on small groups, our commitment to differentiated learning, and even our practice of assigning seats in the school cafeteria, which fosters social connection.
"You're lucky to go to a school that cares so much about community," Dr. Jacobs told the students.
See photos from Dr. Jacobs' workshops below.
- Interested in learning more about the community at City Day? Attend an admissions event.
