ABSTRACT

It is easy to talk about the priority of building relationships with students. Most of us would agree that it is important, but some may not have a good handle on how to go about making it happen. Well the good news is, anyone can make it happen! It starts with a genuine desire to connect with your students. You then spend time talking to them. And I don’t mean talking to them about the material you are teaching. Ask them about their family, their friends, their interests outside of school, and maybe even the stuff that aggravates them. You will probably not bond with your students after just one personal conversation. It usually doesn’t work that way. Relationships take time. But if you persist with authentic and personal interactions, you will form a connection. Most students appreciate it when their teachers take an interest in them. When they feel like you like them – like you really do care about them – they will usually reciprocate with some positive interactions of their own. But it always starts with the teacher and a genuine care for the students.