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Student success is fundamentally rooted in the strength of connections. These connections may range from a student’s relationship with their family, to a family’s association with the school, and ultimately to the bond between each student and their teacher. Establishing these relationships can significantly influence the quality of the school year.
At the core of these relationships is the teacher-student dynamic. Engaging and trustworthy teachers can inspire students to pursue academic excellence while steering them away from negative behaviors and the risk of falling behind. Seasoned educators have shared valuable insights on how to cultivate these crucial relationships, which can lead to a more harmonious classroom environment and contribute to a thriving school culture that encourages everyone to flourish.
1. Start Building Relationships with Students Early
The first day of school is filled with a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, anxiety, and a myriad of essential tasks. Yet, it also serves as the prime opportunity to cultivate a sense of community within the classroom. Activities that promote getting-to-know-each-other, team-building exercises, or creative meet-the-teacher events can lay the groundwork for strong relationships.
Utilize those initial days to foster belonging among your students. Involve them in establishing classroom rules and assigning responsibilities, thus granting them ownership over their environment. This early relationship-building effort not only helps in developing trust but also paves the way for meaningful engagement throughout the year.
Find Out More About Your Students on the First Day
Looking for engaging activities on the first day? Consider using resources that prompt students to share about themselves through writing exercises, surveys, or interview-style assignments, setting the stage for a collaborative learning experience.
First Week Building Relationships Activity: Student Interest Questionnaire
By Teaching Intentionally with Savannah Kepley
Grades: 6th-12th
Subjects: English Language Arts, Writing
Kickstart relationship-building on day one with a questionnaire designed to delve into students’ interests. This editable resource features engaging questions and prompts tailored for new students, available in Google Form, Google Doc, or PDF formats for easy sharing.
2. Learn (and Use) Their Names
It may seem simple, but knowing and using students’ names is a powerful initial step in fostering strong relationships. Recognizing each student individually communicates that you value them beyond the collective term “students.”
To aid in memorization, consider adding photos to your seating chart or having students wear name tags until you know their names. Greet each student by name as they enter the classroom to reinforce that personal connection and encourage their active participation.
Memorize Their Names with Easy Tools and Resources
With varying class sizes, memorizing names can be a daunting task. Utilize available resources to help you learn student names quickly and integrate them into your classroom culture seamlessly.
Back to School Name Tents | Relationship Building Activity | Back to School Idea
By Stephanie Nash – A Touch of Class Teaching
Grades: 2nd-12th
Subject: Classroom Community
Visualize recognizing each student by name with the help of back-to-school name tent templates. These editable designs can be customized for your class, allowing students to express their personalities while helping you learn their names quickly.
3. Find Out What Motivates Them
Understanding what drives your students can significantly enhance your relationships with them. Knowing their motivations adds purpose to their tasks and fosters a more meaningful learning experience. Motivations can vary—some may be driven by tangible rewards, while others thrive on verbal praise.
Set Up a Surefire Motivation and Reward System
Conduct a class survey to identify which motivational systems resonate most with your students. Facilitate a discussion to explore the best ways to encourage engagement, whether through classroom currencies, free time, or privileges like working in flexible spaces. Should one system falter, be prepared to adapt and try something new.
Student Interest Inventory Reward Menus & Behavior Reinforcement Surveys
By Counselor Station
Grades: K-5th
Subject: School Counseling, School Psychology
Discover what makes your students tick with a resource that includes student surveys, visual task cards, and yes/no sorting mats tailored for various classroom settings. This tool offers insights into what matters most to your students.
4. Attend Extracurricular Events
Whether your students shine on the soccer field or in the arts, understanding their extracurricular passions can strengthen your connection. Engage in conversations about their interests during class and commit to attending events when possible.
đź’ˇ Pro Tip: TPT Teacher-Author Leigh from The Applicious Teacher recommends making a habit of checking in with students every morning. This practice allows you to stay informed about their lives outside of school, enhancing your ability to connect with them.
5. Address All Learning Styles
Your classroom is home to diverse learners—visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and social. By adapting your teaching methods to accommodate various learning styles, you can enhance student engagement and ensure that everyone feels included and valued.
Simple modifications, such as providing both written and verbal instructions or allowing collaborative discussions prior to assignments, can significantly impact how students connect with the material and each other.
6. Know When to Be Lenient
Striking a balance between maintaining classroom structure and being approachable is key. A teacher who builds strong relationships knows when a little leniency can go a long way. This may involve offering extended deadlines or providing extra credit opportunities, which can demonstrate to students that their well-being matters more than rigid adherence to rules.
7. Keep Parent Communication Positive
Establishing a reliable communication plan with parents often begins with sharing positive news. However, the daily grind can shift the focus to challenges, leading to a communication gap. Proactively reach out with messages of success or praise, reinforcing a collaborative effort to support each student.
Send Positive Notes Home to Stay in Touch with Parents
For an efficient approach to parent communication, utilize positive note templates that can easily be filled out and sent home with students. This simple practice helps keep parents informed about their child’s accomplishments.
Positive Behavior Notes To Send Home To Parents | Classroom Management Editable
By Mr. Napoles
Grades: PreK-6th
Subject: Classroom Community
These positive note templates allow you to easily communicate with parents about their child’s positive behaviors and accomplishments, helping to foster a supportive classroom community.
8. Monitor Social-Emotional Health
Educators who prioritize building relationships recognize that social-emotional learning (SEL) is as critical as academic instruction. Regular SEL check-ins can demonstrate to students that you are genuinely invested in their overall well-being.
Incorporate SEL language into your daily interactions, and consider leading morning meetings or providing journal prompts that encourage students to reflect on their emotions. Creating an environment of understanding and openness will foster trust and promote deeper connections.
Help Students Keep Track of Their Moods and Emotions
Some students may struggle to articulate their feelings. Implement mood tracking tools to help them identify and communicate their emotions, facilitating a supportive classroom environment.
EDITABLE How Are You Feeling Today? Social/Emotional Student Check-In
By Miss Clark’s Spoonful
Grades: PreK-6th
Subject: Social Emotional Learning
This resource combines attendance-taking with SEL check-ins, allowing students to express their feelings upon entering the classroom, creating an atmosphere of emotional awareness.
9. Strengthen Student Relationships with the School Community
A study published in the Review of Educational Research highlights that a positive school climate relies heavily on the strength of student relationships with school staff and administrators. Research indicates a strong correlation between positive school climates, academic success, and improved student outcomes.
For instance, an elementary school in Colorado emphasizes a different value each month, such as respect or perseverance. When a student exemplifies that value, they have the opportunity to share their accomplishments with their family alongside the principal, reinforcing community ties.
How to Tell if You Have Strong Relationships with Students
Recognizing that a positive school climate enhances academic performance is crucial for educators. Indicators of successful relationship-building with students include:
- Open communication and active engagement in class
- Seeking help with assignments or personal issues
- High attendance rates and enjoyment of school
- Sharing personal interests and activities
- Willingness to collaborate with peers
- Exhibiting a positive attitude in the classroom
Conversely, if you observe the opposite trends—such as disengagement, low attendance, or reluctance to ask for help—it may be time to focus on strengthening those relationships. Your outreach could be the key difference in their educational journey.
The Connection Between School Culture and Success
Building relationships with students doesn’t require decades of experience. Teachers of all levels, including student teachers and seasoned educators, can utilize relationship-building resources to enhance connections with students, parents, and colleagues. These efforts contribute to a student-focused dialogue that enriches the educational experience. When educators feel connected to their students, the teaching profession becomes even more fulfilling, regardless of tenure.
Are you looking for more strategies to improve school culture for students and educators alike? Consider exploring questions that first-year teachers can ask veteran teachers to optimize classroom routines and ensure all students have the resources they need for success.
