As a veteran teacher with 28 years of experience, I have learned a thing or two about building relationships with my students. The number one way is to have them actually like you. Simple. How can you make that happen? Again, it’s simple. They need to trust you, relate to you, and respect you. Seems easy, but it’s really not. Real thought and intention need to be put into this process to work. Here are some easy ways to build relationships with your students. Would love to hear how you do it!
Building Relationships
- Smile and say hi to each one of them as they enter the room.
- Use downtime to talk to them and really listen. It could be breakfast, morning work, small-group time after the activity, lunch (if you are with them), or free-choice time… You get the idea.
- If there are naps involved, make sure each one is covered with a blanket. If they don’t have one, make sure you have extras.
- We have been known to rub a back or two just to calm them down, but that is up to you.
More Relationship Ideas…
- Be silly. Be fun. Be happy. Let them see you enjoying your job.
- Read stories with different voices. Make reading time both entertaining and a beautiful, calming part of your day.
- Exercise with them. Let them see you enjoying physical activity, music, and being outside.
- Be creative with activities and classroom decor. Make your classroom exciting to see and be a part of.
- Tie their shoes. (Some teachers refuse. I find that a few minutes spent tying their shoes can help them see that you are there to help, and that you are usually down on their level, which is kinda fun. You could even get a little conversation in there.)
And finally…
- Have activities at your table during free choice for those students who may feel uncomfortable joining their friends. (Play-Doh, Mr. Potato Head, putty…)
- Make them feel safe. Have routines, schedules, and a predictable path for them to navigate throughout the day.
- Let them be a part of the day. Have them lead the class. Have them help teach.
- Take pictures of them doing activities inside and outside. Post them around your room so they see themselves.
- Have families send a photo of all of them together. Post them all on your bulletin board so they see familiar faces.
Now, do I do all of these daily? Of course not. I am not a superwoman, and there are days that are busier and louder than I would like. Take care of yourself first so you can be happy and calm. Our peace as teachers really needs to be primary. What is peace to you? For me, different days bring different experiences, even for myself.
I would love for you to let me know what you do! Let’s make this list grow!
Just click on this email link and reply to me.
