7 Ways to Foster Strong Teacher-Student Relationships in the Classroom

By: Breanna Miller

June 23, 2024

The importance of building strong teacher-student relationships is incredibly important to creating a safe learning environment and ensuring academic success. Not to mention, it is probably the most fulfilling and meaningful parts of our job. But, how? How can we cultivate a classroom environment where students feel safe, valued, and know that their well-being matters just as much as their academic success? Here are 7 strategies for fostering strong teacher-student relationships in the classroom!

1. Build Positive Relationships: The most critical part of our job is building positive relationships with our students. At the beginning of the year, you can do this by giving the student's a student survey to show that you appreciate the essence of their identity and acknowledge their lived experiences as assets that they bring to the classroom. Click the link for a student survey I use at the beginning of the year to unlock the unique personalities and stories behind each student, moving beyond preconceived notions and data points. While student's know themselves best, they are not always sure of what to share. It is beneficial and insightful to send home a parent/guardian survey for them to share in more detail about their student's hobbies & interests, challenges academically or individually, unique learning styles, and much more. Click the link for a survey I use to achieve a higher understanding of each child and the best ways to connect with them - parent/guardian edition.
   

2. Set Clear & Consistent Classroom Routines and Expectations: A classroom needs to include clearly defined and consistently enforced routines and expectations to embody a safe learning environment. In the process of creating routines, it is important to ensure they are simple (to be easily understood) and include as few steps as possible (to be easily followed). There is no such thing as having too many routines as long as they are straightforward and concise. Think about how you will want students to walk to and use the pencil sharpener, how students will transition from their desks to the carpet or to get in line, how students will use the classroom library, and how you will want your classroom to feel, look, and sound. Additionally, include your students in the development of classroom expectations. You might be wondering why this is important, and to that question is a simple answer - students who are included in creating classroom rules are more likely to follow them as student voice was considered and they feel a sense of ownership over them, rules can be clarified and understanding enhanced as students collaborate with you to create meaningful and purposeful expectations which also establishes a sense of classroom inclusivity and a culture of respect, and honors social-emotional learning as students practice thinking critically to communicate, negotiate, and express their needs and ideas in an environment that is both constructive and responsive.
   

3. Incorporate Social Emotional Learning Activities: Some may argue that SEL is more important than the curriculum. In a way, it is. We have to prioritize supporting students' in validating, managing, and regulating their emotions because we have to remember that while teaching the curriculum is critical, students cannot access learning when dysregulated. SEL teaches our students' coping mechanisms, self-awareness, and how to achieve and maintain healthy relationships with those around them. Sometimes it will be imperative that you stop instruction to dissect an undesired behavior or behaviors, sometimes it will be necessary for you to talk privately with a student to support them in acknowledging, accepting, and resolving a "big feeling," or maybe you are planning to teach a meaningful, engaging lesson about being a good friend. SEL is not confined to a textbook. It comes alive in a variety of ways, from everyday interactions to thoughtfully designed activities. However, it is vital and worthwhile to ensure it is a part of our daily routine - especially at the Elementary level. Lastly, it shows students' that we care about them as learners AND individuals.
   

4. Create Opportunities for Student Voice: Without students, there would be no teachers. It is important to remember that they are an essential part of the classroom and deserve a voice when decisions are being made. As facilitators of the classroom, it is up to our discretion to decide how students voices will be heard, valued, and considered. This could look like students deciding the type of project they want to create to demonstrate their understanding (Wixie, GoogleSlides, a poster, writing and acting a script, etc.), having a place inside your classroom for students to communicate with you through a written message (a teacher's mailbox), students determining how they will complete their reading rotations, having opportunities for Turn-and-Talks and Think-Pair-Shares, and much more. When students feel their ideas, thoughts, skills, and contributions are acknowledged and respected, they are more likely to take risks, ask for help when they need it, participate in group discussions, be motivated to put forth their best effort, and take initiative and ownership over their learning while enhancing their feelings of confidence, belonging, and connectedness.
   

5. Celebrate Non-Academic Achievements: Students are more than their academic achievements -they are athletes, musicians, and artists too. As educators, we have the opportunity to learn about our students' unique goals and aspirations, not just what happens within these classroom walls. These goals might involve extracurricular activities, personal ambitions set by themselves or someone who supports them, and everything in between. Successful students hinges on supportive teachers who praise their efforts, perseverance, and growth in all that they do. If you have the availability, show up to their extracurricular activities, attend the chorus/band/orchestra concerts, and events outside of school. When you show them you care, it extends beyond the classroom. Their family sees your appreciation, value, and respect for their child. This fosters a strong foundation for both the student-teacher relationship and a positive collaboration with parents and guardians.
   

6. Foster a Culture of Respect & Practice Active Listening: These two go hand in hand - to foster a culture of respect, one must practice active listening. Active listening not only ensures our students feel that their classroom is a safe place to share ideas, express their feelings, and communicate effectively, but it serves as a model for students to actively listen to others as well. As humans, we all want to be heard, appreciated, and valued - which is also how we show respect towards others and spread kindness. Students who feel they are acknowledged, understood, and represented are more likely to pay attention where instruction is being provided, ask questions to clarify their understanding, and follow the directions being given. It can be challenging when there are multiple things happening around you to listen intently, make eye contact, and participate in conversation to understand a students thoughts, ideas, or concerns. However, it is crucial not only to practice all of those things but to show you were listening through actions - whether that is moving a students seat, providing a student with a resource to help eliminate misconceptions, or having a discussion with the class about an undesired behavior that is happening during unstructured time that is causing other students concern or frustration. We cannot fix everything, sometimes we may not even be able to answer the question, but we can try to make a difference to promote a classroom where students feel safe and heard.
   

7. Be Supportive! Make it clear that you are someone they can confide in and trust. Get excited when they accomplish a goal whether it be big or small. Celebrate their achievements by writing on their desk with a dry erase marker, leaving them a note, having a private conversation about how proud and excited you are for them, or have a lunch bunch! Find a way to demonstrate how thrilled you are to see them progress on their journey through life - both academically and as individuals with their own goals and aspirations. Additionally, listen to understand. Take the time to give them your undivided attention when they are sharing something they really want to tell you. If now is not a good time, let them know when a better time is and write it down on a sticky note to remind yourself that you need to speak with that student. Some students are quieter than others and may feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts, ideas, concerns, or questions in a designated place for student messages. For example, my students love the "Miss Miller, I want you to know..." box! There are so many ways to make sure your students feel supported. Ultimately, it is up to you and how you support your students best!

In what ways do you foster a classroom with strong teacher-student relationships? Share them in the comments!