Quick and Easy Ways to Build Stronger Relationships with Students

Social Well-being: A Cornerstone of Student Success

A balanced educational environment isn't solely focused on academics; it's about cultivating the complete student experience and providing a secure, supportive space for students to flourish in various aspects of their lives. This blog focuses on simple ways you can build strong and healthy relationships with your students.

Develop an Interest in Their Interests

Understanding a student's passions goes a long way in establishing a meaningful connection. By showing genuine interest in what excites them, you not only create a bond but also validate their individuality. You can incorporate examples and activities that relate to their interests throughout the day. For example, allow students to share their interests during creative writing or develop examples during math that connect to students' extracurricular activities. 

Ask Open-ended Questions

Asking open-ended questions (a question that cannot be answered with a “yes” or “no” response) invites students to share more about themselves. This simple act demonstrates that you value their thoughts and experiences. For example, we encourage facilitators of the Empowered & Poised curriculum to invite students to answer the following question at the beginning of every lesson: “What made you smile this week/today?”

Engage in Non-academic Discussions

Taking the time for casual conversations beyond the classroom content helps students feel comfortable and valued. This can lead to stronger connections and a more positive learning environment. 

Support Their Goals and Achievements

Acknowledging and celebrating a student's accomplishments, whether big or small, reinforces their confidence and self-worth. It shows that you're invested in their success. You can do this by having a student success wall, sharing about student accomplishments during morning meetings, or highlighting a student of the week.

Start With A Daily Morning Greeting: A Small Gesture, Big Impact

Starting the day with a warm greeting sets a positive tone for the entire day. It's an opportunity to make every student feel seen and valued.

Allow for Choice

Empowering students with choices, even small ones, fosters a sense of autonomy and independence. Greet students at the door and offer them choices in their responses. For example, your students may choose a high five, fist bump, handshake, smile, or hug. It is important to have a couple of options that do not involve physical contact, as physical contact may be triggering, uncomfortable, or culturally inappropriate for some students. 

Be Consistent

Predictability and routine provide a sense of security. Consistent morning greetings create a reliable and welcoming atmosphere. Building a routine and setting clear expectations can help a student feel safer, leading to a greater likelihood of success in your classroom.

Actively Listen to Them: A Skill Worth Cultivating

Listening is a powerful tool for building trust and understanding. It's not just about hearing words; it's about truly comprehending their feelings and perspectives.

Give Your Full Attention

When a student is speaking, give them your undivided focus. This simple act shows that you value what they have to say. It can be difficult when you are busy with several other things to respond to every need. Therefore, if a student approaches you and you cannot give them your undivided attention, I recommend asking the student to speak with you at another specified time. For example, you can say, “What you’re sharing is important to me and I want to be able to give you the attention you deserve. Can you please remind me I promised we could chat right after lunch?” This example allows you to provide the student with your full attention and helps you avoid forgetting to get back to them. 

Ask Clarifying Questions

Seeking clarification ensures that you understand the full context of what a student is sharing. For example, “Can you give me an example to help me better understand?"

Avoid Judging or Jumping to Conclusions

Creating a non-judgmental space encourages open communication. It lets students know that their thoughts and feelings are respected.

All students are at different stages in their development of social well-being and skills, so it is important to be patient with them as they learn along the way. This patience, genuine interest, open communication, and consistent support in building strong relationships and prioritizing a student's social development is key to helping them thrive and become confident, capable individuals in both their academic and personal lives.