Methods for Building Relationships with Students

A Teacher's Simple Strategy That Changed 30 Lives Every Morning Ever wondered how one small gesture can transform an entire classroom's energy? Let me share a powerful thing that's reshaping how we think about starting our school days. Here's how it works: Each student gets to choose their preferred way to start the day: - A gentle high-five - A quick hug - A friendly fist bump - A simple smile and nod - A quiet "good morning" The results? Remarkable. Students who once dragged themselves to class now arrive early, excited to make their choice. Anxiety levels dropped.  Class participation soared.  Even the most reserved students found their comfortable way to connect. What makes this approach powerful is its simplicity. It: - Respects personal boundaries - Builds trust - Creates a safe space - Teaches emotional awareness - Promotes daily positive interactions This isn't just about starting the day right – it's about teaching our children that their comfort matters, their choices count, and their well-being is priority. What if we all took a moment each day to ask others how they'd like to be greeted? Sometimes, the smallest changes create the biggest impact. #Education #TeachingInnovation #StudentWellbeing #ClassroomCulture #PersonalizedLearning

I used to struggle connecting with my students. I knew that was the most important part of my job. So I found a better way. I hope you find it as useful as I did. It's the R.E.L.A.T.E framework. Don't skip any step. It's a package deal. R - Recognize individuality Every student is different. Notice their strengths, weaknesses, and interests. If you don't understand them, you can't reach them. E - Empathize with them What might they be experiencing? Don't just assume. Dig and find out. Teaching isn't just about academics. L - Listen to them Find out what they're going through. Understand why they might be disengaged. When you care you become someone they trust. A - Affirm their feelings Identify their concerns. Explain why their feelings are valid. Make sure they see you understand them. A few moments can make them feel seen and respected. T - Teach human skills It's not all about academics. Teach them empathy, responsibility, resilience. Validate their need to learn these skills. This helps them trust your guidance. E - Ensure regular feedback Address any concerns they have about their performance. Provide constructive feedback (hint: use AI). Encourage them to do better. When students see you put in effort They will reciprocate. This framework has been a game-changer for me. I hope it does the same for you.

Student Support is a functioning consciousness with the greatest needs of our young people as its axis. Here are eight pieces of advice for educators, who are preparing for our young people to return. 1️⃣ Even if you have anxiety about being back from summer break/vacation… our most vulnerable won’t see a real one until their late 20’s. Don’t assume that they are well rested but also bring some of that well rested energy to the table. For many kids the highlight of their summer may be coming back to school. 2️⃣ If you struggle with making your office space or classroom culturally responsive, start the year by making it responsive for you. Your space should make young people be curious about your lived experiences. Tell them who you are well before the true relationship building happens. Then as you grow together the space should be reflective of many experiences and cultures. 3️⃣ Master one relationship building skill really really damn well. Either it’s the greet, or dap at the door or the restorative exercise. Be known for being someone who is warm to the complexity of a young person. 4️⃣ Utilize essential questions. “How can this be used in the real world?” Or “Where does this live in your world?” No wrong answers here. 5️⃣ Do something unpredictable but fun and unique. Young people love feeling special. One time I brought yoga mats into a class room and we all laid on the floor facing the ceiling talking about Marxism, Capitalism, Socialism and Communism and ended with the young people wanting their own “ism” 6️⃣ Send a note home to parents. “My name is Cory McCarthy. My fav show is greys anatomy, my pet peeve is folks who rush to get off planes instead of waiting their turn and I got into education because I want to make the world bigger for your child. My fav fruit is papaya. 7️⃣ Remember, just because they don’t do our work or take directives… doesn’t make them crappy kids. If you care about that fine line where delivery meets message the kids will respond in turn with the same. 8️⃣ Understand you have one young person, but three relationships to build. 1. The young person 2. Their parents. 3. The person that brings them joy or make them feel that anything is possible. 2 & 3 can be the same but as they grow so does their network of trusted humans. Be one of them. None of this is easy, but the greatest relationship building tutors are our young people.