We’ve all heard it before: relationships are the key to classroom management. I am a firm believer in forming relationships with students from the first day of school. I know from experience that cultivating relationships from the start will lead to students having a true desire to be in your class and to learn. First impressions matter, right? Here are my best tips for teachers looking to build relationships with students.  

#1 Don’t Spend the Entire Class Going Over Rules

  Hear me out on this one! Your students will have between six to eight teachers who have, more than likely, been talking to them all day about classroom rules and expectations. That has to get really old, really quick.    Instead, I recommend sticking to what they absolutely need to know on the first day (or even the first week). Not only will this help students remember your policies, but also, most routines are best learned through practice, not being talked at.   For the first few days, I recommend sticking with the following. If they need specific supplies, tell them. Give them a bit of information about you and your class. Then, start slowly reviewing content and getting to know students while also adding in routines and expectations along the way.  

#2 Provide Opportunities for Teamwork and Critical Thinking

    Teamwork and collaboration are great tools for teachers when building relationships with students. Have students work together to solve a problem or build something in a given amount of time.    I used to have my students build a K’nex or Lego car using only specific pieces in under 5 minutes. You can also do a spaghetti and marshmallow tower, build a zipline, or create an awesome paper airplane. Find something quick and engaging that will get them excited about science!    Not only is this fun for students and helps shake off the nerves, but it also gives you an opportunity to chat, ask their names, and learn how they interact with their peers.   

#3 Say No to Ice Breakers

  I would dare to say that, as an adult, most of us hate ice breakers, so why do we expect our students to enjoy them? When I was in middle school, I never paid attention to what anyone else had to say because I was too anxious about what I was going to say.    Therefore, I say skip the ice breakers. There are much more fun and exciting ways to get to know students without bringing more nerves into the situation.  

#4 Take Time to Ask Students About Themselves

  Give students a chance to tell you about themselves. It seems like an obvious way for teachers to build relationships with students, but it’s the best way! Ask students about their pronouns, preferred name, learning styles, types of activities they like/dislike, and their goals.     While students fill out a survey, walk around and engage them. This can sound like, “I see you like listening to hip hop, who is your favorite artist?” or “I used to play soccer when I was a kid!” or even “Sour Patch Kids are the best candy by far, you picked the right choice there.”    Finding common ground is an underrated key to teachers building relationships with students. They love seeing teachers as real humans. Who knew we don’t actually live at school?   If you want a ready-to-go survey you can use to build relationships with students, grab this free All About Me freebie.