Positive Classroom Relationships

Positive teacher-student relationships are important because when you come right down to it, learning can only take place when the student has a positive relationship with the one who is implementing the lessons in the classroom.  But the question is, how do you create a positive relationship with each and every individual student in your classroom?

There are a number of specific behaviors that teachers can focus on to enhance her relationship with her students.  Each are important in themselves, but together they are the keys to creating a positive social and emotional environment for the students in the classroom. These behaviors include:

• Engaging in one-on-one interactions, being sure to use eye contact
• Using a pleasant, calm voice and age appropriate language
• Using warm, responsive physical contact
• Following the child’s interests during free play
• Helping the child understand your expectations in the classroom
• Redirecting the child when she’s engaging in challenging or inappropriate behavior
• Listening to the child and encouraging him to listen to you and others
• Acknowledging the child’s efforts and accomplishments

Using developmentally appropriate practice and taking into account a child’s individual needs, talents, and interests is important when it comes to fostering positive relationships with your students.  Therefore, teachers need to understand the developmental level of the students they are teaching while all the while getting to know each of their students’ likes and dislikes. 

Teacher-student relationships are important because they influence children’s social and emotional development directly.  Research has shown that children who have positive relationships with their educators, especially at the early childhood level, go on to have secure relationships with future teachers and even their peers.  When a student doesn’t feel comfortable and safe in his classroom, he tends to engage in more conflicts with his teacher and his classmates as well.  Children who have rocky relationships with their teachers have a tough time interacting with anyone at school because they don’t know who to rely on or turn to for support.  On the flip side, however, when children feel safe and nurtured in the classroom, they are more comfortable taking risks and succeeding in new skill areas since they know they have a support system in place.

My personal opinion is that it cannot be emphasized enough how important it really is for teachers and students to have a mutual respect for one another.  Throughout my experiences, I have seen some teachers who can really connect with their students and therefore reach into their minds and engage them during instruction time more than they would without that positive relationship.  On the other hand, there are teachers who do not take the time to get to know each individual child and some of those children fall in-between the cracks and do not benefit as much as they possibly could. 
For example, I know of a child who had many behavioral issues throughout elementary school.  Many teachers did not want to take the time to nurture his individual needs.  Simplistically, he needed attention that he did not receive at home.  He would do anything possible in the classroom to receive attention, even if it was mainly negative.  When he began fourth grade, the teacher really recognized this in him and catered to his needs.  Instead of recognizing negative behavior, she praised his accomplishments and focused on his interests.  This particular student completely turned around during fourth grade and became a practically different kid, really demonstrating his strengths and getting attention for those instead of for negative reasons.

All in all, I believe that it is important for teachers to evaluate their relationships with their students.  Even though there is oftentimes an emphasis on standards and expectations, the bigger picture involves making a difference in individual children’s lives and building a strong community.  Productive interaction within the classroom will not truly begin until positive relationships between the teacher and her students are forged.  I make a point to smile, talk in a warm and friendly voice, respect the children, get to know children’s interests, and make my expectations clear when I’m in a classroom.  I hope that through my behavior, I can be important in the lives of the children I work with.