Experiencing community and feeling included is a basic need, and important for children and young people's development, learning and well-being. Experiencing community and feeling included is a basic need, and important for children and young people's development, learning and well-being.
This tool is designed to help those of you who are curious about how community in a group works. It is a reflection tool that will contribute to a systematic assessment of the different community qualities. The tool can be used both to assess the experience of individuals, but also to reflect on the community qualities in all or parts of the group.
NB! All tools must be seen in context to ensure a holistic understanding. All video lectures can be freely used in the work of increasing knowledge and understanding.
The community qualities are:
Experience of security
The individual's understanding
That I have someone who likes me, looks after me, helps me and whom I trust.
Group understanding
Everyone likes, looks out for, and trusts each other.
Red
Low level of positive experiences in the community
Keeps to himself. Withdraws from various social situations. Often receives negative "feedback" when trying to approach others. If something negative happens, there is no one to comfort or help.
Yellow
Varying degrees of positive experiences in the community
Green
Predominance of positive experiences in the community
Speaks positively about activities. Makes suggestions and input in play/activity. If something negative happens, there are many who comfort, help and provide support.
Everyone thinks it's okay to ask for help when you're unsure.
Experience of belonging
The individual's understanding
That I feel that it's good to come here and that someone takes care of me and meets me in a good way.
Group understanding
Everyone gives each other positive feedback and notices how each person is doing.
Red
Low level of positive experiences in the community
Rarely brings anyone home. Is rarely invited into games and activities. Few greet, smile and/or say hello when they arrive. In general, they are often not noticed when they arrive.
Yellow
Varying degrees of positive experiences in the community
Green
Predominance of positive experiences in the community
Has friends. Experiences being invited into play. When he suggests something, there is generally a positive response from others. When he arrives, he is greeted with smiles, hugs and attention.
Experience of predictability
The individual's understanding
That I know what is coming and how I will be met.
Group understanding
These are good, well-known and understood routines that everyone knows and implements.
Red
Low level of positive experiences in the community
Experiences unclear rules and routines. Many activities are taken on the spur of the moment and made up along the way. Groups and pairs are divided by the students themselves (e.g. "Go together two by two"). Experiences free activities and alternative days as particularly challenging.
Yellow
Varying degrees of positive experiences in the community
Green
Predominance of positive experiences in the community
Everyone knows the rules and routines well. Everyone practices these regularly and the adults follow up to make sure everyone gets it right.
Experience of meaning
The individual's understanding
That I understand why it is important that I am here.
Group understanding
Everyone has a good understanding of why rules and tasks are the way they are.
Red
Low level of positive experiences in the community
They don't see the point in being present. Their thoughts and ideas are not taken into account. They may seem indifferent, angry and uninterested. Expressions such as "I don't care", "It's no use", "Nobody likes me", "I can't get anything done" are not uncommon.
Yellow
Varying degrees of positive experiences in the community
Green
Predominance of positive experiences in the community.
Their opinions are heard and taken into account. The adults are good at explaining why we should do what we do.
Experience of mastery
The individual's understanding
That I get suitable challenges and achieve what I try to do.
Group understanding
Everyone experiences expectations and tasks that are appropriate for them.
Red
Low level of positive experiences in the community
They experience not being able to complete activities, tasks or games. May "misunderstand" rules and fail in their attempts. May often be blamed for a game/activity/task not being solved by the group.
Yellow
Varying degrees of positive experiences in the community
Green
Predominance of positive experiences in the community
Activities, games and teaching are carried out in a way that everyone experiences achieving something. Activities are often planned that create shared experiences of mastery in the group. The "we" is stimulated.
Experience of desired diversity and variety
The individual's understanding
That I experience that there are many ways of doing things and many ways of being.
Group understanding
Everyone cheers for each other regardless of differences and circumstances.
Red
Low level of positive experiences in the community
It is experienced as scary to stand out from what the majority does/thinks. It is important to wear the same clothes and like the same things. Experiences little variation in how teaching is carried out.
Yellow
Varying degrees of positive experiences in the community
Green
Predominance of positive experiences in the community
It is accepted and recognized that one can do different things and is good at different things. Difference and diversity are applauded by everyone. There is great variation in the types of activities, games and teaching methods.
Experience of democratic participation
The individual's understanding
That I feel that my opinions are listened to and that I get to participate when decisions are made.
Group understanding
Everyone feels that they are allowed to express their opinions and that they are listened to. The group experiences participation when decisions are made.
Red
Low level of positive experiences in the community
It feels unsafe to say what you really think about a matter. You experience that other people's opinions are given more weight.
Yellow
Varying degrees of positive experiences in the community
Green
Predominance of positive experiences in the community
Everyone dares to express their opinion and there is a common understanding that everyone has the right to express their opinion.