Classroom Connections Building Bridges: 3 Important Relationships To Have In Your Classroom
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”
Henry Ford
Developing good relationships in the classroom is necessary. In the classroom, good relationships are essential to learning. In building
relationship, there must be respect for the person whom you are interacting with for the connection to be established. But who do you
build those relationships with? Where do you start? Stick around to learn more about three important relationships to have in your
classroom and three tip you can use right now.
1. The Importance of Relationships With Your Students
Relationship with your student is very important in managing relationships. While it is important to wipe the slate clean when it comes
new students who enter your classroom, it is equally important for you to understand the needs of your students. A teacher’s plate is
often full with the many things involved in the running her classroom. But getting an understanding of who your students are, is just as
important. One way to get to know your student is through sending home surveys.
2. The Importance of Relationships With Your Paraprofessional
Establishing a positive and respectful relationship with your paraprofessional has a direct impact on the classroom. That relationship is
not only important to the running of your classroom, but improving student learning. The paraprofessional who works directly with
you in the classroom is your right hand so to speak.I have found that when people have questions about the classroom, if they are
unable to speak to me, my paraprofessional is next person they seek out. It is so important for you to touch basis with your
paraprofessional regularly to collaborate on instruction, environment, management, and more. Over the years, I have got to know my
paraprofessionals personally. This goes a long way towards strengthening our relationship in the classroom. Always remember that your
paraprofessional is an adult not another student in your classroom. She may come with years of experience working in the classroom.
There have been time when my paraprofessional has suggested a better and more efficient way of doing things that I had not thought
of. Strengthen this classroom relationship can impact the learning taking place.
3. The Importance of Relationships With Your Students’ Parents
Parent partnership is an important relationship that cannot and should not be overlooked. Establishing regular communication with
parents can help to build relationships with the students in your classroom. Parents can be your biggest cheerleader at home.Although
students spend a lot of time at school, parent are needed to continue that learning at home. Connecting with parents at home regularly
not just when there is a problem with their child is important to the learning that takes place at school. How can you establish this
relationship? Get parents to complete survey with important information you need to know about students is important. Having current
contact information so you can communicate with parents can help you to reach out parents more often. When a student has gotten ill, I
have reached out to parents directly even though I know the school will call the parent. Sometimes just relying on glow ups or golden
nugget of news (when a student has done something good) can build that important relationship with parents as partners
Final Thoughts
Establishing relationship is important to student learning. Trust and respect have to be earned. Making connections with your students,
paraprofessionals, and parents helps to build sustainable relationships that can positively impacts the classroom environment. Creating
a collaborative environment with your paraprofessional regularly. The experience they bring can be invaluable. Sending home surveys
with student is a great way to get to know them and connect with families.Communication is the key to establishing, building, and/or
managing relationships.
Here Are Three Tips To Keep In Mind:
· Transparent Communication – Foster open lines of communication with parents, paraprofessionals, and your students to create a supportive network focused on the well-being and progress of each student.
· Mutual Respect and Understanding – Build productive relationships with parents by recognize and respect their diverse cultural backgrounds; value paraprofessionals expertise and contributions, and demonstrate empathy for your students by recognizing their strengths, and establishing clear expectations.
· Collaborative Problem-Solving – Seek input from parents on the best interests of the student; engage paraprofessionals in regular dialogue to address areas of concern, and empower your students to take an active role in decision-making.
