Building Relationships

Why do we teach English? To love our students!

We love our students well by teaching them English in high-quality lessons, but we also show love by taking the time to build real relationships with them. Here are a few suggestions:

• Parties: Everyone loves a party! Try to host it in an American's home; many students have never been invited to an American home and will feel honored. This is also a great opportunity to share more personally about your life and background, and invite students to share theirs.

• Go visiting: In many cultures, home visits are a normal part of social life and often don't even require setting up in advance. Take a friend and visit your students in their homes. Be sure to block out a few hours for this - a 30-minute visit won't do - and be observant to follow cultural norms, such as taking off your shoes at the door.

• Go on outings: Think about traditional activities that your students should experience in America. Your own family traditions count, too - it's an honor for your students when you invite them in! Remember, going hiking is nearly always appreciated, as well.

  • In spring: dying Easter eggs

  • In summer: watching fireworks; going swimming (especially in a lake or river); going fishing

  • In fall: apple or pumpkin picking, a hay ride, and corn maze; celebrating American Thanksgiving

  • In winter: going ice skating or sledding; decorating a Christmas tree; making Christmas cookies

• Learning: You are the teacher and your students are always learning from you. What can you learn from them? Have them teach you how to cook something, or teach you some of their languages. Show that you love them by taking the time to care.

• Send mail: In many countries, sending a card by mail isn't done often, or the mail service isn't reliable. Your students may only receive bills and sales flyers in the mail. Consider sending a postcard just to say hello, a birthday or Christmas card, or a note to tell them you missed them when they missed class.

• Be consistent: In whatever you do, show that you care by continuing to care. These are your friends, not your projects. Love them and spend time with them!

• Be responsive to needs: as you get to know your students, find out what needs they have, and see how you can help. This doesn't mean that you meet all of their needs, but it does mean that you're a friend. Do they need resources? See if you can connect them to some. (In the Roanoke area, check out our resource site!) Are they lonely? See if you can connect them to new friends, and invite them to spend time with you. Do they need help learning to drive? Teach them, or find others to do so!

• Be willing to start other groups: You may find that your students are looking for community, and you can provide this. Some ideas are:

  • a group for moms to gather, learn, and have fun together

  • a play group for parents and little kids

  • a Sunday School class in simplified English