#SchoolPR Insights Blog

Every year is a fresh start. One of the most rewarding parts of being an educator is meeting brand new faces on the first day of school. There’s so much to learn about your students, such as their interests, challenges, backgrounds and learning styles.

Start the school year off strong by fostering positive student relationships from day one.

Why educators should prioritize student relationships

Teachers do more than teach. They have meaningful interactions with students on a daily basis. In order to run a successful classroom, teachers must consider how their relationships with each individual student can impact the learning experience. Here’s why:

• Nurture their excitement for learning: Strong student-teacher relationships often come with a shared passion for education. When teachers prioritize building relationships, students become more motivated to show up and be fully present during class.
• Create a more inclusive atmosphere: Show students you care about more than helping them get a passing grade. Get to know their families, cultural backgrounds and interests, so they feel safe and welcomed in your classroom.
• Give every student a chance to succeed: Not all students learn the same way. By forming strong relationships, you get a clear picture of the many different learning styles present in your classroom. This allows you to tailor your teaching methods to each individual student.

How to form positive connections with students

Strong relationships start on day one. For that reason, it can be helpful to kick off the school year with relationship-building strategies already set in place. The following simple tips can lead to positive, trusting relationships with students from the first day of school:

• Hand out “get-to-know-me” surveys: After introducing yourself on the first day, give students a chance to introduce themselves, too! As a fun activity, pass out surveys asking students about their favorite hobbies, books, TV shows and school subjects, as well as their biggest dreams and what they’re excited about for this year.
• Hold brief individual meetings: During individual work time, have students take turns visiting your desk for a five to ten-minute “meet and greet.” These short meetings allow you to communicate one-on-one with each student, learn about their academic strengths and weaknesses, and send the signal that you are more than willing to give them your full, undivided attention.
• Play ice breaker games in the classroom: A strong relationship begins with showing students they can learn and have fun at the same time. Ease into the school year by playing ice breaker games with the entire class. This has the double advantage of not only bonding with the students, but allowing them to bond with each other.

Healthy relationships start with you

It takes time to build healthy relationships. Teachers must be patient as they work to earn students’ trust, respect and perhaps even admiration. Nurture those student relationships now, and they will unfold naturally throughout the school year.