How to Build Strong Relationships with Students: The First 3 Months of School

Things have calmed down a bit. You have made it through the first month and feel more confident in the classroom, understand the fundamentals of classroom management and know where the photocopy machine and staff room are. Now you have some more time to think about building individual relationships with students. The first few months of the school year are crucial for doing this; building strong, positive relationships with students. A strong bond not only helps with classroom management, it also boosts student motivation and success. 

With so many students and unique personalities, how can teachers effectively connect with each individual? This is where having a solid plan comes in.

In this blog post, we will walk through how to develop relationships with students during those critical first three months, and introduce a Relationship-Building Template designed to help you track each student’s strengths, challenges, and interests, and make a personalized plan for connecting with them.

Here’s how you can create lasting relationships in your classroom along with some practical ideas.

Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive Classroom Environment

Think about the environment you are creating and how it sets the stage for everything that follows. With an inclusive and welcoming classroom, students feel safe and comfortable, which is the foundation of a strong relationship.

Personalize the Classroom Space

• Find out about Student Interests: During the first week of school, use interest surveys and informal conversations to fill out the template. Write down key information about each student’s hobbies, likes, and dislikes. This is great information for you and also to decorate your classroom with personalized touches—posters, books, or themes that resonate with their interests.

Set Clear, Positive Expectations

• Track Challenges in Your Template: List any behavioral or learning challenges students may face based on observations or prior knowledge. Use this to create personalized strategies that ensure these students feel supported. For example, if a student struggles with focus, create a plan for short breaks or seating arrangements that minimize distractions.

Establish Classroom Routines

• Routine Check-ins: Use the template to schedule regular one-on-one conversations with students. Knowing their strengths and challenges in advance will help you tailor those conversations. For instance, if you know a student excels in art but struggles with math, you can frame discussions in ways that acknowledge their talents while offering support in areas they find challenging.

Fostering Positive Individual Connections

Building relationships with students individually can feel daunting, especially with a large class. The key is to be intentional about it. Our Relationship-Building Template will help you stay organized and keep track of your progress.

Learn About Your Students Personally

• Strengths Inventory: In the template, list each student’s strengths—whether academic, social, or creative. Use this list to plan how you will highlight and celebrate those strengths. For example, if a student is great at storytelling, give them opportunities to share stories during class discussions or assignments.

Take Time for Conversations

• Plan Individual Check-ins: The template can help you schedule individual moments with each student. Use it to track not only their challenges but also their progress. For instance, if a student has been struggling with reading but made a breakthrough, jot it down and celebrate it the next time you meet.

Provide Positive Feedback and Encouragement

• Tailor Your Praise: With the template, you’ll know exactly where each student shines. When offering praise, you can be specific: “I love how you’ve used your creativity to solve that problem.” This not only shows that you’re paying attention but also builds trust and rapport with the student.

Cultivating a Culture of Collaboration and Respect

Beyond one-on-one interactions, relationships are strengthened when students feel they are part of a respectful and collaborative community. Your role as a facilitator of this community is key.

Implement Group Activities Early

• Pair Students Strategically: Use your knowledge of each student’s strengths, challenges, and interests to strategically group them for projects. For example, pairing a student with strong leadership skills with one who is shy can create a dynamic where both students benefit. Track how these interactions go using your template so you can adjust pairings later on if necessary.

Create Classroom Traditions

• Track Engagement Levels: Use the template to track how students engage in classroom traditions like morning meetings or class circles. If a student seems disengaged, refer to their interests or strengths to see how you can involve them in a more meaningful way. For example, a student who loves music might enjoy leading a classroom activity where they get to incorporate songs or rhythms.

Teach Conflict Resolution Skills

• Plan for Social-Emotional Learning: Use the challenges section of your template to identify students who may need extra support with social skills or conflict resolution. You can then tailor class discussions or social-emotional lessons to address these needs, making the classroom a safer and more respectful place for everyone.

Introducing the Relationship-Building Template for Teachers

This Relationship-Building Template is designed to help you stay organized and intentional about forming individual connections with each student. It allows you to:

• Track Student Strengths: Know exactly what each student excels at, from academic talents to social skills.
• Note Challenges: Keep a log of any behavioral, social, or academic challenges students face so you can plan effective strategies for support.
• Record Interests: Build connections by understanding what excites and motivates each student. Use this information to inform your lesson planning and classroom activities.
• Make a Personalized Plan: Set specific goals for how and when you’ll connect with each student, ensuring no one falls through the cracks.

The template is easy to use and adaptable to any grade level. Whether you're teaching a small class or managing a large one, this tool will help you stay on top of your relationship-building efforts and ensure every student feels seen, heard, and valued.

Ready to get started? Download the Relationship-Building Template now and take your classroom connections to the next level!