Relationship Building Strategies for the Beginning of the School Year

🌟 Relationship-Building Strategies for the Beginning of the School Year

1. Greet Students at the Door

• Use names and make eye contact.
  
  

• Offer a smile, handshake, high-five, or personal greeting.
  
  

• Helps students feel seen and valued from Day 1.
  
  

2. Learn Names Quickly

• Use name games, seating charts with photos, and repetition.
  
  

• Make it a goal to learn and correctly pronounce every student’s name within the first few days.
  
  

3. Share About Yourself

• Tell age-appropriate stories, show photos, share hobbies or a “My Favorites” slide.
  
  

• Helps humanize the teacher and invites connection.
  
  

4. Conduct Interest Surveys or "Getting to Know You" Activities

• Use surveys, student interviews, or activities like “Find Someone Who…”
  
  

• Gives insight into students’ backgrounds, preferences, and personalities.
  
  

5. Hold Morning Meetings or Community Circles

• Start the day with a check-in, question of the day, or team-building prompt.
  
  

• Encourages communication, empathy, and a sense of belonging.
  
  

6. Build Classroom Agreements Together

• Co-create norms or expectations rather than just posting rules.
  
  

• Gives students a voice and ownership of the classroom environment.
  
  

7. Use Student Choice

• Allow choices in books, seating, or activity order when possible.
  
  

• Shows respect for student autonomy and builds trust.
  
  

8. Call or Message Families Early

• Send a positive message home within the first week.
  
  

• Builds rapport with caregivers and creates a partnership.
  
  

9. Spotlight Students

• Use a “Student of the Week” or “All About Me” display or share time.
  
  

• Highlights individual strengths and interests.
  
  

10. Incorporate Collaborative Learning Early

• Use low-stakes partner or group tasks (e.g., STEM challenges, games).
  
  

• Helps students connect with each other and practice teamwork.
  
  

11. Conduct “Walk and Talks” or One-on-One Chats

• Walk with students during recess or lunch and just talk.
  
  

• Informal conversations can build deep rapport quickly.
  
  

12. Be Visible and Approachable

• Stand in hallways, attend recess/lunch, or join activities occasionally.
  
  

• Being present shows students you care about their whole day, not just class time.
  
  

13. Celebrate Identity and Culture

• Include multicultural literature, display student work, and invite students to share about themselves.
  
  

• Builds an inclusive environment where students feel respected.
  
  

14. Use Positive Notes or Tokens

• Quick “You matter” notes or shoutouts can go a long way.
  
  

• Tangible recognition fosters warmth and connection.
  
  

15. Model Vulnerability and Respect

• Admit mistakes, apologize, and show empathy.
  
  

• Modeling this creates a culture of mutual respect and emotional safety.