Mastering the art of classroom management is a daily battle for many instructors. Classroom management tactics are not “one size fits all,” and as a result, they might alter annually based on the pupils in your class. Every year, you must discover what works best for you and your different groups of students.
Having said that, there is one component that is beneficial regardless of the tactics used: build relationships with students-teacher connections.
Here is How to build relationships with students;
1. Get to know your pupils on a deeper level.
Developing rapport with your pupils may be a rewarding experience. We have the privilege in the art of being able to sit among our pupils as they produce. Getting down with a few students each class to discover more about their hobbies, weekend plans, or simply what they had for supper are all excellent methods to begin getting to know your students.
This is also an excellent opportunity to tell kids more about yourself. I find myself asking students what I should make for supper, informing them about my hobbies, or sharing something enjoyable about my weekend. My pupils like it when I sketch with them at their table. What’s more, guess what? So do I!
This is also an excellent method for learning your pupils’ names to build relationships with students. It is really significant to greet pupils by name and appropriately pronounce their names. This lets your pupils know that you are paying attention to them. When your pupils realize that you care about them as individuals, you earn their trust, and they strive harder to make good choices in the classroom and to meet your goals.
2. Show sympathy.
To better understand your pupils, particularly those who exhibit problematic behaviors, put yourself in their position. Try to understand where they’re coming from in terms of why they’re behaving out. I’m not suggesting you should ignore poor conduct, but understanding a student’s position may help you be more compassionate. Let students re-learn and practice your rules, routines, and procedures by demonstrating and teaching acceptable classroom conduct on a frequent basis.
It is important to recognize that schools are diverse places. Although we may not understand why a kid shows a certain behavior, we must check our preconceptions, inquire about what is going on, and devote time to investigating the problem. It is critical to realize and admit that there is seldom a “fast remedy” for a student’s condition.
In summary, never give up on your children. Make it difficult for those disengaged pupils by consistently seeking them out. Being sympathetic is a strength, not a weakness. It requires a strong individual to continue to comprehend another person’s circumstance in order to aid them.
3. Spend time with students outside of class.
On many occasions, you may find me conversing with my students, either to follow up on weekend plans they discussed with me in class or just to check how they are doing. I may even swing by the cafeteria for breakfast or lunch to greet pupils or even stay around at recess for a time. A little talk in the hall will suffice to build relationships with students.
Although I do this with many of my students to build relationships with students, I specifically seek out pupils that exhibit problematic conduct in my class. That has been quite beneficial. Developing connections throughout the school day outside of the classroom lets you meet kids in various contexts and enables them to realize you are making an effort to know them better.
4. Show your pupils respect.
Many of you have heard the adage, “Treat people like you want to be treated.” This golden rule is not just for pupils to follow but for adults too. It is not acceptable to use condescending language, such as sarcasm, or to humiliate kids. These kinds of actions will just alienate your kids and encourage them to act out even more.
This is an area for some profound self-reflection because although we may be sarcastic with our friends who know us well, it might be interpreted by students as rude and emanate a disdain for their sentiments. If you must address a student’s conduct, do it quietly rather than exposing it to the whole class.
Consider errors as well. We all know that students make them, but keep in mind that you will as well. It is important to apologize if you do or say anything you regret. You’ll be surprised by how forgiving your pupils are! On the other hand, forgive your kids for their blunders. Have no grudges and begin each day with a clean slate.
Although this may be easier said than done, it is critical to make a concerted effort in this area. To build relationships with students Respect is important to students. They will usually respect you and your classroom if they feel respected as well.
5. Provide constructive feedback.
Receiving favorable praise for a job well done is always satisfying. Recognizing students for their positive contributions to the classroom environment reassures them that they are making good choices in your class. It might boost their confidence and motivate them to work harder every day. When I offer my pupils favorable comments, their cheeks light up with excitement. This is true for all of my students, regardless of whether they are struggling in class.
Ultimately, build relationships with students helps to create a good learning environment, which improves your ability to manage your classroom. Haim G. Ginott remarked, “I’ve come to a terrible conclusion that I am the crucial ingredient in the classroom. The environment is created by my particular approach.
My everyday attitude determines the weather. As a teacher, I have the incredible potential to make a child’s life miserable or joyful. I may be a torture device or a source of inspiration. I can either humiliate or heal. In all cases, my answer determines whether a crisis is exacerbated or de-escalated and whether a kid is humanized or dehumanized.” Profound thoughts to contemplate as we enter another school year.
Also read: How to maintain a positive mindset in the classroom?
