I believe that a positive classroom, one where students cooperate and help one another, is the key to learning. With morning meetings, open discussions, and peer-to-peer interactions students become comfortable in the classroom since they have built the environment where they are working and learning. Every morning we discuss our classroom and ourselves, share events in our lives and experiences we will have. We use the Tribes system of activities to create a classroom of positive learners. With clearly defined rules, class jobs, and a strong sense of community students take pride in their classroom, their space, and their peers. Students become used to helping one another in their groups answer questions, solve problems, and rely on each other. The students are focused through their sense of community in the class and doing what is right. There are clear expectations that have been established since the beginning of the year. The students have demonstrated right and wrong behaviors and understand the consequences of their actions. I use "attention getters" when needed to focus the classroom and to transition to new activities. The transitions themselves are short and orderly as these are commonplace and have been practiced. They know that in their community they have the support of their classmates and the freedom to make choices. How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension? I work hard to find students books and reading materials that are at their level. I use many strategies to reach students. We read together, read separately, do picture walks, phonics review, comprehension questions, KWL charts, and many others. The key is often finding something the student can relate to or has interest in. Once that is reached, their horizons can be broadened.