Relationship Building Strategies to Create and Maintain an Effective Classroom

Teacher- Student Relationships

1. Learn and Use Students' Names Quickly

• It shows respect and helps students feel seen.

2. Greet Students at the Door

   1. • A simple "hello" or handshake/high five can set a postitive tone and build trust.

3. Daily Check-ins

   1. • Use a quick emotional check-in (e.g., 'thumbs up/down," mood meters, or journaling) to gauge how students are feeling.

4. Attend to Individual Interests

• Incorporate students' hobbies, cultures, and talents into lessons or conversations.

5. Positive Phone Calls or Notes Home

• Reach out to families with good news- not just discipline issues.

6. Two-by-Ten Strategy

• Spend 2 minutes a day for 10 consecutive days talking with a student about non-acadmic topics. Great for building rapport, especially with challenging students.

7. Use Student Voice and Choice

• Let them choose books, project topics, or how to demonstrate learning. It builds autonomy and mutual respect.

Student-Student Relationships

1. Classroom Circles/Morning Meetings

• Regular circles build community, empathy, and communication skills.

2. Cooperative Learning Structures

   • Use strategies like "Think-Pair-Share", "Jigsaw", or groups roles to foster collaboration.

3. Team-Building Activities

   • Regular icebreakers, problem-solving games, or challenges can create shared experiences.

4. Restorative Practices

• Use restorative questions and peer mediation to handle conflices and build mutual understanding.

5. Peer Interviews or Spotlights

• Have students interview each other or share "All About Me" slides/posters to highlight identities.

Classroom Culture and Routines

1. Establish and Revisit Norms Together

   • Co-creating class expectations gives students ownership and helps them hold each other accountable.

2. Model Vulnerability and Empathy

• Share appropriate personal stories, admit mistakes, and show students it's okay to be human.

3. Celebrate Small Wins and Progress

• Shout-outs, class charts, or notes recognizing kindness and effort help create a culture of affirmation.

4. Consistent, Fair, and Calm Behavior Management

• Builds trust- students feel sage and respected when expectations are clear and followed through fairly.