Classroom Relationships RELATIONSHIPSPEOPLEROUTINES

Why do we need to build relationships…I’m here to teach! The investment in relationship building allows us to accumulate a “psychological bank account” with students. Pay now or pay later – you’ll either spend time building a mutually respectful relation or you’ll spend it later in a classroom power struggle. Anna Marie Farnish, Director Making Middle Grades Work

RELATIONSHIPS Show that you care about students Act in a mature manner ALL THE TIME!! YOU ARE THE “ROLE MODEL” **students look to you for guidance- even when they misbehave

THINGS THAT YOU CAN DO… Help students manage their anger appropriately Laugh at yourself Use humor in your lessons Show concern by listening to students Model courtesy and RESPECT, say “please” and “thank you” Stay in control

REFRAIN FROM… YELLING BEING SARCASTIC LOSING YOUR TEMPER ASKING WHO, WHAT, WHY QUESTIONS ARGUING WITH STUDENTS ALLOWING PUT DOWNS IGNORING STUDENTS DRAWING ATTENTION TO POOR BEHAVIOR

TEACHERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE Greet students as they enter the class Be aware of their interests Learn His-story and Her-story Be consistent in your approaches to situations.

Be Proactive… Use foggers:  “I understand”  “I see”  “Silence” The breakdown in teacher/student relations begins when the adult starts to argue.

Tricks of the trade… Students with special concerns “stick-out” very early in the school year. Invite them to spend time with you (lunch buddies). Get to know them, their families, hobbies, etc. Provide special jobs/tasks for these students.

Have a “bag of tricks” to pull from…but remember, if you go to the bag often, some “ugly tricks” may surface.

Things to think about… Expectations and code of conduct. Assumptions made about students can hamper relationships. Communicate with parents often. Many attitudes that students bring to school are a part of their culture.

Relationships building includes DepositsWithdrawals Seek first to understandSeek first to be understood Be RespectfulBe disrespectful Established expectationsUnclear expectations TrustworthyUntrustworthy Speak kindlyBe sarcastic Remember: We know ADULTS who make poor decisions and have difficulties with relationships.

ROUTINES Establish routines for everything Teach students the routines Practice the routines at the beginning of the year Expect students to follow the routines throughout the year Revisit/review the routines Monitor constantly Stick to it!!! Students will know what to expect.

To make it work… Get to know your students Have interventions for poor behavior Have conversations with your students Get parents on your side Document ~ Document So that Teachers are able to teach more Students are able to learn more

Ralph Waldo Emerson ( ) stated that “The secret in education lies in respecting the students.”

The End!