Building Relationships

I have been teaching for some time and I have always been complimented for the rapport I develop with my students. One of the best compliments I have ever been paid was from my former boss. He stated that my classroom environment was like no other. It was nurturing, respectful, and safe. Students have always been able to be themselves and have never been embarrassed by answering incorrectly or harassed for being the "smart kid."  I can't really say that this was my intention-it just happened naturally.  At first I thought it was the kids but year after year I am able to connect with my students.

Like all teachers, however, I reflect over the summer and have regrets. I always make a list of things to change or work on. Each year, I regret the few students I was not able to connect with for whatever reason. You know how some students try to avoid communication and are happy to blend in with the walls.  These are the students who never cause trouble but are distant and quiet.  While the high maintenance students are getting most of my attention, the wallflowers are happy because I am not forcing them to engage.

This year, I have decided that this was the war I was waging! No, but seriously, I want to know all of them and have some kind of interaction daily aside from "answer number 15 please."

These are a few of the tactics I have tried to far to connect with those with less connectivity:
1.  Greet each student by name at the door and ask about their day.
2. Look for opportunities to sit at a surrounding desk and engage in a non-academic conversation.
3.  Try to engage with these students outside the classroom.
4. Look to include some of the students' interests into the learning activities.
5.  Find multiple ways to compliment the students for their efforts.
6. Give them a special task that is deemed desirable.
7. Make a positive phone call home.
8.  Invite them to lunch in my room with their friends.
This list is not exhaustive but I welcome any further suggestions.

This year, I have managed to make so many more connections and my students are responding to me positively. More importantly, they are starting to work not just for me but for themselves and I believe that is because they feel of value.  While the overall benefit is best for the students it is so rewarding for me.  I have so many special kids and while some of their stories are sad and explain their behaviors, I am learning that my relationship with them is all the more significant.  I feel like I have grown this year the most.