What Doug Lemov Says About Relationship Building to Create and Maintain an Effective Classroom

In Teach Like a Champion 3.0, Doug Lemov emphasizes that strong teacher-student relationships are foundational to effective teaching. While the book is best known for its practical techniques to improve instruction and classroom management, Lemov explicitly highlights that these techniques work best when built upon a foundation of trust, respect, and care between teachers and students.

Here are some key points Lemov makes about relationship building in the book:

1. Warm/Strict Approach: One of Lemov’s most well-known ideas is the balance of being both "warm" and "strict". He argues that strong relationships don’t require teachers to be permissive; rather, students thrive when teachers are both caring and hold high expectations. Being warm and strict at the same time communicates belief in students' potential.
   “The magic lies in the correlation, in being the person who can say I believe in you and I care about you and therefore I will not accept anything but your best.” -Doug Lemov

2. Consistency Builds Trust: Lemov stresses that consistently applying rules and procedures builds a safe and predictable environment, which is a key part of building relationships. Students trust teachers who are fair and consistent.
   “Sustaining strictness in the long run requires caring and warmth; students have to trust your intentions to do what is best for them even if they don’t always like each decision.” -Doug Lemov

3. Positive Framing: He encourages framing corrections and directions in a positive, respectful tone, which helps preserve student dignity and maintain rapport even during discipline moments.
   “Positivity inspires and motivates and that should influence the way we teach. But positivity, particularly in learning settings, is often misunderstood.” -Doug Lemov

4. High Expectations = High Respect: Lemov points out that holding students to high academic and behavioral expectations is a sign of respect—it tells students, “I believe in you.” This belief fosters stronger connections.
   “A teacher sets limits and expectations for and on behalf of a group, a culture. Young people with whom we are strict may not always be happy with those limits in the moment, but they also usually recognize in the long run that being held accountable by someone who cares about you is an important part of learning to make your way in the world.” Doug Lemov

5. Deliberate Techniques to Connect: While the book is mostly focused on instructional strategies, it includes subtle but deliberate moves (like “Threshold,” “Positive Narration,” and “Precise Praise”) that help build and reinforce relationships by showing attention, care, and encouragement.                                                                           “Positive framing means describing what appropriate behavior is in an optimistic, upbeat, and confident manner. It is not simply praise while irresponsibly ignoring misbehavior, but corrects and guides behavior.”  -Doug Lemov

6. Relationships Support Rigor: Lemov makes the case that effective relationships enable academic rigor. When students feel known and supported, they are more willing to take risks, persevere through challenges, and engage deeply in learning.     “Positive relationships. Foster connections with students while maintaining appropriate boundaries: Show genuine interest in students' lives and experiences; Celebrate student successes, both academic and personal; Maintain high expectations while offering support and encouragement.” -Doug Lemov