November 3, 2016
Positive student relationships are fundamental to academic success. Knowing this, we asked our Renaissance Royals community how they build relationships with their students. We received an overwhelming number of responses and highlighted some of our favorites below:
“I send a welcome letter home at the beginning of the year, introducing myself to my students and welcoming them and their parents to my class. I make it personable so they see me as a person, not just as a teacher.” — Dawn Henline
“On the first day of school, I have my students complete a student-interest survey. It gives me an idea of the things they are interested in such as movies, TV shows, books, and hobbies. I try to incorporate the things they enjoy into lessons as much as possible. If it is something I do not know much about, I try to learn about it so we have something to discuss. If they have certain career goals, I try to incorporate them. The survey has definitely helped to build relationships with my students and it shows that I really pay attention to what they care about as well.” — Angela Larkin
“I ask my students for their input in class decisions that influence them. For example, each quarter they decide the order they will use to line up. Also, I let them choose their partners in activities to reduce conflicts.” — Monica Bertolino
“Go the extra mile with your students whenever possible. If you have a student that plays a sport, attend a game. If they have an event, make an appearance. They notice your dedication and that you support them in multiple aspects of their lives.” — Jacob Brinkman
“I give each of my students a hug, call them by name, and acknowledge them EVERY MORNING…BEFORE THEY ENTER MY CLASSROOM!!” — Emily Carlisi
“I use stickers to encourage my students and reward them for good behavior and hard work. If they get an ‘apple of my eye,’ ‘superstar,’ or ‘paw-sitively awesome’ sticker they leave their name on my board. At the end of the week I write a handwritten card to their parents, telling them positive things about their child and mail the cards. This builds relationships with the students and parents.” — Meredith Sanders
“Listen when they need someone to hear them out. Show you care because you never know what type of affection they are getting at home. Most importantly, act as if they are the most important person in the world!” — Fatima Peters