Building Positive Relationships 

Special Edition

Here are ten effective strategies teachers can use during the first week of school to build positive relationships with their students:

• Greet Each Student Warmly: Welcome students with a friendly smile and a personal greeting as they enter the classroom. This sets a positive tone for the day and shows them that you are excited to have them in your class.

• Learn and Use Students' Names: Make a concerted effort to learn and remember the names of all your students. Addressing them by their names creates a sense of belonging and makes them feel valued.

• Engage in Icebreaker Activities: Plan fun and interactive icebreaker activities that allow students to get to know each other and you. These activities break the ice and help build connections between peers and the teacher.

• Share Personal Stories: Share some personal stories or anecdotes about yourself to let students see you as a relatable individual. This helps create a sense of familiarity and openness.

• Conduct Student Interest Surveys: Have students fill out interest surveys to learn about their hobbies, favorite subjects, and aspirations. This information can help you tailor your lessons to their interests and needs.

• Set Clear Expectations: Clearly communicate your classroom rules and expectations during the first week. Be consistent in enforcing them, and explain the reasons behind each rule to foster understanding.

• Engage in One-on-One Conversations: Take the time to have short one-on-one conversations with each student. Ask about their summer, their feelings about the new school year, or anything they would like to share.

• Encourage Student Voice: Give students opportunities to express their opinions and ideas, whether through class discussions, group activities, or written reflections. Validate their contributions and actively listen to their thoughts.

• Recognize and Praise Positive Behavior: Acknowledge and praise students when they demonstrate positive behavior, academic effort, or acts of kindness. Positive reinforcement encourages students to continue these behaviors.

• Be Approachable and Supportive: Be approachable and supportive when students have questions, concerns, or need help. Create a safe space where they feel comfortable seeking assistance and sharing their thoughts. 

By incorporating these ten positive relationship-building strategies in the first week of school, teachers can create a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment that fosters strong connections between students and the teacher. Building positive relationships early on contributes to a more engaged and motivated learning community throughout the school year.