Building a classroom community is critical. A positive community creates an environment where students feel comfortable sharing ideas and taking educational risks. There’s another important component, though. It’s not just about the class as a whole. Each student needs to feel connected.
Connecting with your students is critical
Making connections with students is just as crucial as teaching content. When students feel seen and heard, the benefits go beyond improving the learning experience. There is also a sense of honesty and shared responsibility between students and teachers. Students who feel connected to teachers often have fewer behavioral issues and increased confidence. It’s more about the small moments with individual students than the big events as a class.
Increased student engagement
When teachers and students work together through laughs and struggles, it becomes a safe zone for learning. Creating an environment that’s open for student engagement is only the beginning. Excitement for learning naturally follows. Students are more engaged and interested when they know their teacher is right there with them!
Positive teacher-student relationships enhance SEL skills
Fostering healthy relationships benefits students in the classroom and other aspects of their lives. Connecting with students models positive relationship skills. Those connections also show students how to develop self-awareness and self-management. Learning how to show empathy and respect and build effective communication strategies are skills that will last a lifetime.
Positive teacher/student relationships benefit teachers, too!
Positive relationships build a thriving learning environment. When teachers make sure students feel like they belong, working together toward academic goals becomes a joint effort. Students and teachers help one another in the process of learning through open dialogue and trust.
How can you authentically foster that connection?
Teachers are always wondering how to connect with students. The main things to remember are honesty and authenticity. Students know when someone is being real with them. They can also sense when someone truly cares.
Actively listen. Ask questions. Show appreciation and empathy. Be available – kids love to find teachers in the hallways for quick chats. Watch the tone. Sarcasm might seem funny, but it could be perceived the wrong way by students.
Eager for more? Here are 5 ways to authentically connect with students.
1. Take steps to build a classroom community
Teachers genuinely want to feel connected to their students. It’s common knowledge that relationships make all the difference in classrooms. That’s why teachers say they teach children rather than a specific content area. A supportive and engaging learning environment depends on a sense of community, making it critical to take the time to build relationships.
2. Let students choose their morning greeting
Everyone likes to feel welcome, and greeting students at the door helps build positive relationships and a classroom community. Teachers get a lot of information about students when they enter the classroom. It’s easy to tell if someone is happy or having a rough day. With special greetings at the door, give students a sense of belonging and a routine they can count on. Download some ideas to try with your students.
3. Incorporate music in your classroom
Create a class playlist to set the tone for a comfortable environment. Ask students to suggest songs for a playlist that represents every genre, from country to pop or show tunes, to support engagement. Select calm or upbeat music to match lessons and activities.
4. Get to know your students
All students have different interests, and their families look different, too. Getting to know them as people outside of the classroom walls will help them feel valued and seen. Students love to see teachers at their sporting events or dance recitals. Attending those things is not always possible, but teachers can stop by other classes to see PE activities or art projects. Maybe join them for a game or walk for a few minutes of recess time or lunch.
5. Give meaningful feedback
Constructive, specific, supportive feedback is critical for learning and academic growth. Students want feedback they can use. They also need to have a rapport with the teacher built on honesty and trust to receive and act on that feedback, especially when that information might feel harsh. A positive connection helps them to see it as constructive and helpful instead.
Build even more student engagement with effective edtech tools!
Technology tools don’t replace human interactions. There are plenty of opportunities to use edtech and build classroom relationships. Take a look at the best resource for your needs, and start your free trial today.
