Building Relationships

On Thursday April 6, we will reflect on the results of our climate survey given to students in grades K-5.  We will reflect as educators how to help all students perceive their school as a safe place where they feel cared about.  We have great results and we need to be proud of our work.  We are challenged to making meaningful connections with our kids,  Here is some research:

What?

We all want to feel cared for and valued by the significant people in our world. Students are no different.  Building relationships is the most important way we can support student learning.  It is important to build trust and relationships during the first 6 weeks of school, but it is important to continue throughout the year.

Why?

Here is an expert from 

Educator's Guide to Preventing and Solving Discipline Problems

by Mark Boynton and Christine Boynton

A review of the research shows that authors have a lot to say about positive relationships with students. Thompson (1998) says, “The most powerful weapon available to secondary teachers who want to foster a favorable learning climate is a positive relationship with our students” (p. 6). Canter and Canter (1997) make the statement that we all can recall classes in which we did not try very hard because we didn't like our teachers. This should remind us how important it is to have strong, positive relationships with our students. Kohn (1996) goes a step further, saying, “Children are more likely to be respectful when important adults in their lives respect them. They are more likely to care about others if they know they are cared about” (p. 111). Marzano (2003) states that students will resist rules and procedures along with the consequent disciplinary actions if the foundation of a good relationship is lacking. He goes on to assert that relationships are perhaps more important at the elementary and junior high levels than at the high school level. And according to Zehm and Kottler (1993), students will never trust us or open themselves up to hear what we have to say unless they sense that we value and respect them.

How?
5 Tips for Better Relationships with your Students

Hearts and Minds is an article from Educational Leadership that gives specific activities to build relationships.

Please comment on the blog one way you build relationships in your class.