Thrive in Action Blog Series: Class Community, GPS 1 - Relationships

The Thrive In Action blog series highlights practical applications for Great Pedagogy Strategies (GPS) within the EdConnective Thrive Framework, summarized here. The EdConnective Thrive Framework is unique in that it can be applied to teaching actions seamlessly whether learning is in-person or remote. This week we get more familiar with:

Class Community, GPS 1 - Relationships: Teacher works to build relationships and trust with all students and between students (including the uses of greeting students by name, accurately pronouncing student names, inquiring about life outside of schools, use of humor, etc.)

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At times, building relationships with our students can seem like “an extra thing” to do, and for other times, we may not know where to begin. Cornelius Minor (2019) stated, "Understanding or knowing our students is not something we achieve, it’s something that we live. Continuously." In our “Thrive in Action” series, we are introducing relationships. Building meaningful relationships with students, and between students, is the key place to begin and also deepen the classroom community.  In order to learn, our brains require that we feel safe, and a key component to safety is being in positive relationships. Let’s take a look at some sample strategies with the Great Pedagogy Strategy (GPS) of relationships in action in a traditional classroom setting and in a remote classroom setting. If a strategy resonates with you, then try it this week in your classroom.

Traditional classroom
In a traditional classroom setting, building relationships begin with building rapport with our students. Greeting students at the door with a smile shows that you are happy to see them and that you care. Taking the time to learn their names and pronounce their names correctly acknowledges their presence and value in your classroom. Additionally, having social-emotional checks in the classroom with simple questions, such as “What color describes how you are feeling today? Why? or if you could describe your day so far in terms of a weather forecast, what would it include?” Those questions are fun ways to engage your students and also build relationships. One of my favorite strategies is calling home for positive experiences. Take the time to celebrate students by sharing their milestones and achievements with their parents, even if it is just their reading level increased by one letter; that is worth a call and celebrating.

Remote classroom
During the pandemic, a lot of our schools have been learning how to teach and engage their students in a remote classroom. Similarly to the traditional classroom, the strategies can be the same, but it will look differently. As students enter the zoom (or other synchronous technology tool) classroom, greet them and ask them about their day or morning. If you have more than 10 students, then you may want to consider enabling a waiting room, and then admit students one by one, and ask them a question related to their interests. Having structured routines can assist in building positive rapport with your students. Instead of starting the day with academics, start your remote classroom with a mindful moment or circle time. In that space, do a social-emotional check, allow students to take deep breaths, and share their thoughts. It is also important to allow students to pass if they do not desire to share. Building relationships is also about respecting our choices. Additionally, make time to just focus on fun and not just academics. Plan for opportunities for social engagement, such as a “lunch bunch,” virtual game time, or dance parties tailored to student interests.

Building relationships is about being authentic with yourself and with your students. Taking a moment to honor and celebrate them as humans first, and then as your students, shows them that you want to connect with them and that you care about their well-being. 

Here are some additional resources to consider when building relationships with your students:

Sound off: What are some of your favorite strategies in building and/or remote that you use to build relationships with your students?

Download a summary of the EdConnective Thrive Framework here. EdConnective provides 1:1, personalized non-evaluative coaching to teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators, as well as small group coaching and large group training.

Natasha Ward1 Comment