Lessons and activities that utilize cooperation among students will increase a sense of community within your classroom. Studies demonstrate that classrooms using more cooperative learning activities have fewer behavior problems and a reduction in peer abuse. The following links include articles on and ideas for incorporating cooperative learning into your classroom.
http://www.edutopia.org/common-ground –Common Ground: Teaching Kids the Benefits of Working Together
http://www.co-operation.org/ -Cooperative Learning Institute And Interaction Book Company
http://www.co-operation.org/?page_id=65 –An Overview of Cooperative Learning (lots of good info and suggestions)
http://www.edutopia.org/node/2839 – Cooperative Education: Making it Work
http://www.edutopia.org/new-skills-new-century – Students Thrive on Cooperation and Problem Solving
http://www.edutopia.org/inquiry-project-learning-research
http://www.behavioradvisor.com/CoopLearning.html -Competitive vs. cooperative learning formats