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We know that getting to know your students is not something we start and stop during the first week of school. Instead, getting to know your students is something we continue to do throughout our semester and year with our students. Building relationships with students supports our ability to deliver content and reach and teach in new ways.
Our guest today is Rebecca Glass Lowe, an experienced educator who has spent many years teaching and mentoring students of all ages. Some simple ideas don't take much time or effort but help you get to know your students. You can start with five fantastic strategies today, tomorrow, and next week.
In this episode, Rebecca shares some simple strategies to help teachers get to know their students better and build stronger relationships. As Rebecca points out, getting to know your students is not a one-time thing you do at the beginning of the school year. It's an ongoing process that requires time and effort.
Getting to know your students
One of the simplest but most effective ways to build relationships with students is to learn their names and how to pronounce them correctly. As Rebecca points out, names have power, and by taking the time to learn and use students' names, teachers can demonstrate their respect and appreciation for each student as an individual.
Another important strategy is to engage in small talk with students. As Rebecca notes, talking to students about things unrelated to school work can help teachers build connections with their students and establish a foundation of trust and mutual respect. Teachers can help students feel more comfortable and engaged in the classroom by showing an interest in their lives outside of school.
Rebecca also emphasizes the importance of valuing students' opinions and perspectives. Teachers can create a more inclusive and collaborative learning environment by encouraging students to share their thoughts and ideas. And by modeling humility and a willingness to learn from their students, teachers can demonstrate that they are open to new ideas and perspectives.
Finally, Rebecca encourages teachers to support their students' extracurricular activities. By attending a sports game or other event, teachers can support their students and demonstrate that they care about their lives outside of the classroom. This can help build stronger connections with students and create a more positive and supportive learning environment.
But what if there's a student who's tough to reach?
As Rebecca notes, building relationships with all students can be challenging, but it's important to remember that each student is unique and requires a personalized approach. By taking the time to understand each student's interests, strengths, and challenges, teachers can tailor their strategies and build stronger connections with even the most challenging students.
Building relationships with students is an essential part of effective teaching. By taking the time to learn their names, engage in small talk, value their opinions, and support their extracurricular activities, teachers can create a more positive and supportive learning environment that promotes student engagement and success. Thanks for listening, and we hope you find these strategies helpful in your teaching practice.
Getting to know students on a deeper level is crucial for creating a supportive learning environment. Just like in social settings where people bond over shared experiences, similar connections can be made through understanding students’ interests and backgrounds. Whether it’s casual conversations or learning about their hobbies, like some students who might be interested in topics such as shisha tobacco or other cultural trends, these insights can help build stronger relationships. By taking the time to learn what resonates with them, educators can foster a more inclusive and engaging classroom where students feel understood and supported.