8 Ways to Build Student-Teacher Relationships From the Start

More and more research shows extensive benefits to building quality relationships with students from the start of the school year. Relationship-building with our students is a soft skill we can actively improve and strengthen. A healthy connection and classroom environment can change the trajectory of the school year.

Effective learning occurs when students feel safe and valued. One challenge of the pandemic rested in the inability to build these relationships between teachers and students strongly. The easiest way to do this is to create a strong connection between yourself and each of your students. A firm relationship between student and teacher can improve academic success by increasing motivation and willingness to reach out for help. In addition, students with a well-developed relationship with their teacher(s) are more likely to have better behavior, more vital social skills, and increased engagement in class.

Not only do students benefit from a solid relationship, but research from the University of Missouri has also shown improvement in educators’ teaching techniques. Students who felt more connected to their teachers also felt that their teachers used more “effective” teaching methods.

But it might not be as straightforward as we imagine. Another aspect to consider when building relationships with students is the school culture. Most successful schools value strong relationships between students and teachers. School culture can affect in what capacity teachers have to connect with their students inside the classroom or during extracurricular activities. But as we begin this school year, there are simple tasks we can prioritize that make a significant impact in our classrooms.

• Memorize Names Quickly. Obvious yet powerful. Names are part of our identities. Remembering names quickly and correctly is the first part of understanding your students’ identities. Name tags are a beneficial tool in helping you, and other students remember names.

• Let Them Interview You. You’ll ask them questions all year; let them get to know you before diving into challenging lessons. This is an opportunity to earn their trust as well. 

• Short Conversations Have Long-Term Effects. Finding something simple to discuss with one of our students can have a more significant impact than we think. Whether it’s a picture on a shirt, jewelry, or a fictional character, ask a simple question and let the student share what they’re comfortable with. 

• Check-in Often. Words are powerful. Letting students know you care about them with a simple question is a powerful tool in establishing a healthy relationship and classroom environment. 

• Display Student Work. This shows students (no matter their grade level) that you value their work and thoughts. 

• Celebrate Successes Early. No success is too small to celebrate. Make a big deal of showing students you’re proud of their achievements. 

• Assume the Best. Get in the habit of assuming the best from our students. Perspective is a powerful tool, and interactions at the start of the year will leave an impression. 

• Involve Students in Class Decisions. Depending on your classroom and comfortability, you may allow students to help you make class rules, design a bulletin board, pick out the next topic, etc. This can begin a bond with your students and create an atmosphere of trust.

For more tips for educators, visit the Mobile Ed blog.