Nicole Rzonzew
PsychoEducational Director
Keys to giving students connection BEFORE correction
Providing students with safety and connection contributes to a positive, supportive, and nurturing classroom environment that benefits everyone. How to achieve it?
School has started, and our students have begun pouring into our classrooms, full of energy, stories about the summer, and most importantly, a sense of newness. Everything about the school year is new. They might have the same teacher or most of the students might be the same peers they had last year, but in essence, a new school year brings with it a sense of starting over.
For some children starting over can be hard. Getting to know a new teacher, learning new routines, commitments, classroom jobs and even moving to a different school. Before we can even begin to think about teaching new skills or helping children with unwanted behaviors, we must refer to the brain.
The human brain has two basic needs that must be fulfilled for a child – and any human being for that matter – To thrive, both children and adults need to have two basic needs fulfilled by the human brain: SAFETY and CONNECTION. When we can give our students both, we set them up for a successful school year.
How to establish a connection with students?
Use fun icebreaker activities to help students get to know both each other and you. A good place to start is by establish clear expectations: Set clear rules and commitments for behavior in the classroom. Be consistent in enforcing them, so students know what to expect. Take time to get to know your students individually. Show genuine interest in their lives and experiences outside of school while making sure you are available for questions, concerns, and discussions. Create an open-door policy so students feel comfortable talking to you.
Another great way to make students feel safe is by paying attention to their thoughts and feelings. Encourage them to express themselves and actively listen when they do. As you are doing so, teach and model empathy and respect for others in the classroom. Discuss and address issues that go against the classroom environment you are attempting to foster. Create activities that promote teamwork and cooperation, helping students feel like they are part of a supportive community. Acknowledge and celebrate the diversity within your classroom. Incorporate diverse perspectives into your curriculum.
Recognize that some students may be anxious about starting school. Create a safe space for them to share their concerns. Be mindful of students’ personal space and boundaries. Ensure physical and emotional safety. Teach students effective conflict resolution strategies so they can resolve issues peacefully. They might require your help every time at the beginning of the school year, but all the time you invest doing this will pay out with less conflict during the school year.
Remember that creating a safe environment is an ongoing process, and consistency in your approach is key. By demonstrating care, respect, and empathy, you can help your students feel safe and valued in your classroom.
Why is it important to establish a connection with students?
The second crucial need that we need to address with our students is connection. The more connected a student feels to you, the easier it will be to build your relationship. This can be accomplished by implementing small things in your routine that will have a huge impact for the rest of the year.
Connecting with students is crucial for several reasons; When students feel a personal connection with their teacher, they are more engaged and motivated to learn. They are more likely to participate in class, ask questions, and actively seek help when needed. Building connections allows you to understand your students’ emotional needs and provide support when they face challenges, both inside and outside the classroom. This support can greatly impact their well-being and overall success. Strong teacher-student relationships are built on trust and mutual respect. When students trust and respect their teacher, they are more likely to follow rules and guidelines, leading to a better classroom environment.
Additionally, knowing your students’ strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles enables you to tailor your teaching methods to meet their unique needs, fostering better academic outcomes. Connected teachers can better manage classroom behavior by using positive reinforcement and addressing issues with empathy. This reduces disruptions and promotes a more productive learning environment. Building connections with students can have a lasting impact on their lives. Students who feel supported and valued by their teachers are more likely to succeed academically and develop lifelong skills. A strong teacher-student connection helps students feel like they belong in the school community, reducing feelings of isolation and increasing their overall well-being. When students know that their teacher believes in them and cares about their success, they are more likely to set higher goals, work harder, and develop confidence in their abilities.
How a connection with students?
Use fun icebreaker activities to help students get to know each other and you. Share interesting facts about yourself to create a more personal connection. Students need to see you as someone they can approach and sharing with them about yourself will accomplish that. Pay close attention to your students when they speak, showing that you value their thoughts and opinions. Take time to chat with each student individually, getting to know their interests and concerns. Share personal anecdotes or stories related to the subject matter to make it more relatable and engaging.
Something else you can do is to decorate your classroom with a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes students feel comfortable. Be understanding and supportive of their needs and challenges, both academically and personally, even when that implies making changes to your classroom. Encourage group work and collaboration to foster teamwork and build connections among students. Show your support by attending school events like sports games, performances, or club meetings.
Remember that building connections takes time, so be patient and consistent in your efforts to connect with your students.