Explore the impact of positive teacher-student relationships on classroom management and academic success.
Building relationships that transcend beyond the classroom should be a goal of any educator. Positive relationships between both parent and student can boost class morale, better communication, and higher academic success. Besides parent-teacher conferences, educators are encouraged to interact with families outside of school-regulated meetings. This includes positive reports about a student, upcoming events, and general concerns. In this list are 5 engagement techniques you as an educator can use to build better relationships in your classroom.
- Informal Communication Platform
Many schools use a platform like ClassDojo which connects parents to an interface that resembles Twitter. On ClassDojo you have the capability to update parents via a “class story” about upcoming class events like show and tell or school trips. Each parent has access to the story and you as the owner of the class can view who opened the story. Available on the app and desktop form, ClassDojo is an accessible platform that allows you to message parents privately to keep them updated with any important information.
- Informal Letters Home
Along with sending homework in your students’ folders, flyers that contain the same message on Dojo are attached as a separate handout. This allows for multiple reminders in case parents are unaware of how to use the ClassDojo platform. Letters home also allow for a physical notice to live in the student’s home in case the digital notification is forgotten.
- Sending Thoughtful Projects Home
Holidays like Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day and New Year’s are a good time to show parents appreciation for any involvement. Whether it is a small arts and crafts or a handwritten note, this meaningful project will show parents that the teacher has the family in mind. Sentimental projects are activities that will be remembered by both the student and the parent and this may be reciprocated during Teacher Appreciation Day. This website has great ideas for various projects that can be done at home and in the classroom.
- Student Updates
Parents will always appreciate a positive phone call or message about their child. This can be anything from progress in their handwriting or the way they interacted with their fellow classmates. Focusing on how well the student is doing will let the parent know you have their child’s best interest and build a positive rapport with both you and the student.
- Special Incentives
No matter what grade you teach, if students are promised a surprise or a special gift after they complete a task, chances are they will work at their full potential. This can be anything from a pizza party or a movie. This is one way the teacher can witness the class working at their full potential which can spiral into positive phone calls home and updates on ClassDojo.
Building class morale needs to encompass the entire student. What happens inside the classroom also translates into their personal life. Building relationships with guardians will allow a seamless connection that notifies both student and guardian that the teacher is involved. Building a classroom environment where students are comfortable is also explained in this blog post.
Until Next Time~
Melissa