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Strengthen the Student-Teacher Relationship

When should I use this?
Rationale & benefits

“My biggest tool for engaging students is relationship-building," first grade teacher Melanie tells us. "I can’t tell you how meaningful it is for a child when a teacher sits down and spends time with them.”

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Every interaction that you have with your students is an opportunity to build relationships. A positive student-teacher bond can go a long way in defining a child’s learning experience.

 

Ultimately, understanding your students better through strong relationships can help you personalize your approach to ensure that each student tackles the challenges they face and becomes the master of their own learning.

  • Builds trust

  • Creates a safe atmosphere conducive to sharing

  • Helps develop an effective way of working together between you and your students

  • Gives an insight into students' personalities that you can leverage to enhance engagement

  • Can potentially flag challenges early on through consistent interactions, allowing you to make more informed teaching decisions

Things to keep in mind

  • Allow students to decide how they would like to engage with you (e.g. in person, email, etc).

  • Be mindful of the child’s comfort level in opening up to you; stay educated of the anxieties that they may feel when engaging with you.

  • Create an environment where conversation and community-building is so innate that it draws out even those who may be reluctant to talk otherwise.

  • Keep your own time limitations in mind when you commit to dates and times for these interactions; if you stretch yourself too thin, it will likely show.

Implementation options
Low-tech
High-tech
UDL accommodations

  • The strategies presented in this module provide an invaluable opportunity for you to get to know your students better and to understand how they are progressing with their goals. Also consider using these discussions to provide constructive formative feedback as required and anticipate challenges that your students may face going forward.

  • When using tech-based implementation options, be flexible about the tech tool and/or platform you choose. Allow the students to choose from an available set of tools. For example, some students may prefer a Skype call without video whereas some others may prefer using the video option.

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