I believe the first and most important way to create rapport is to have fairness and consistency. When students see and feel that their classroom teacher is fair to all students, it starts the trust factor.
I agree with you that consistency is vital in creating good rapport in your classroom. Students thrive in consistency. Consistency helps students feel comfortable and confident about what they are doing, which allows them to learn more and become more independent.
Chris, It is hard to have a good rapport with someone you don't trust. Fairness and consistency do work towards building trust. I tend to avoid people whom I believe are unfair, I don't trust them. Students are no different than we are in that respect.
I had never really given much thought to "fairness" in the classroom. It's just something I've always tried to do. But the way you said it really made me stop and think about the way it comes into play when talking about rapport.
Trust is big in building rapport! I think consistency is huge! I also believe showing empathy and a true desire to help the students goes a long way also. They get to know that you value them and want them to be successful.
Good points Chris! Consistency is huge, especially in working with they types of kiddos that we all work with. I think that when they know what to expect and how you are going to react, it breaks down a lot of barriers, and begins trust building.
Chris- I also agree with you about consistency. I think this is especially important for our kiddos who have trouble with their behavior. It makes it so much more difficult for them to learn what is or isn't appropriate when expectations vary from one day to the next, or even from one hour to the next!
One way I develop rapport with my students is working in small groups. This is something I can't change since I have a few kids to group together at my buildings, but I do feel it is beneficial. I also feel like I have built a rapport with my students by working with them year after year. Also, I take an interest in and talk to students about what they do outside of school. We usually talk about how they did at the last event or activity. One student in particular tends to be very quiet and shy. I’ve worked with him for 3 years now, and I finally feel like I’m building a rapport with him. I ask him about his activities and life outside of school and allow him to share without pushing or prying.
I agree with you that working in small groups does help create rapport. It is a way to really take the time to get to you know your students. I also think it is important to try to make time to teach or talk to students one-on-one. If they feel that they have a special bond with you then they tend to be more engaged because they know you care.
Having your student for more than one year is a huge help! I have a little guy this year who I won't have next year (this is my first year in this district) and I'm so sad about it. We have a great relationship already and he has opened up and is starting to make huge improvements with his reading. It just breaks my heart that he won't be on my caseload next year. I'll have to make sure and say hi when I see him :-)
I can relate to it taking awhile to build rapport with our students, Jessica. We only get them a short time. I have one student that is profoundly deaf that I have worked with for 3 years. Making the shift to Kindergarten was huge and you saw some of the trust fall away, or change. He still liked his interpreters and me since we are the ones that give him the information he needs but it wasn't until recently that he has begun to trust what we say is true and will follow directions right away instead of waiting to see if peers are doing it. Occasionally he still waits for the peers, which is common for deaf students, but it's great to see that he trusts us with our interpreting of the other adults around him.
We loop at the middle school where I teach. Each sped teacher works with a group of students for 3 years; 6th-8th grade. It is a great way to build that relationship. Relationships take time and I am fortunate to have 3 years with each of my students!
Small groups are definitely beneficial to building rapport I also agree with your point about working with kiddos from year to year. I think it is awesome to get to watch the kids grow each year and being a part of that growth. :)
I think that in order to develop rapport in our classroom we need to build a sense of trust and respect. We need to give respect to each and everyone of our students right from the beginning. I believe that we don't get respect until we give it. I think it is also important to make each child feel important and like they have a say. By doing this students become confident in themselves in their learning and therefore are more engaged and accountable for their learning.
Michelle, I totally agree with you that trust and respect are crucial. My question is, why would anyone want to teach if they did not respect the students?
What a great point! I never have understood that either. Especially when I see students frustrated and unable to change the situation they are in. Teaching is difficult enough, and when students don't feel appreciated or respected, they won't give their best effort.
Jessica- I agree with your comment about students not giving their best effort when they don't feel appreciated or respected. We have a kiddo in one of my districts who works fine for me, for his interrelated teacher, for his paras, and for other teachers, but when he goes to a particular classroom, it's immediately a battle. I know it's not because of the content, because like I mentioned before, he can do the same tasks with another person, and he doesn't exhibit the same reactions. Also, he has made several comments to suggest that he doesn't feel valued by that particular teacher. And no matter if what the teacher's doing is right or wrong, it comes back to the point that this is how the student feels in that class, so this is what the child's going to do in that class.
To build rapport with students I visit with them and show genuine interest in their interests. I think almost any activity where students are engaged with material I'm using helps build rapport. Trust, honesty, and fairness are also important factors. If I'm not honest or I destroy another's trust in me, I've lost them.
Showing interest in what students enjoy is a way of telling the student they are important. I have tried to attend at least one game or event for my students, which is pretty tough. I have't made it to all of them, but I feel like it gives me something to talk to them about, especially if I can highlight something I saw them do.
For me, the biggest thing I do to build rapport and develop a positive relationship with students is to make sure they know I care about them. Not just telling them that I do, but showing them that I do by my words and actions. I try to really listen to a child when they talk to me, and get to know what they like, what their interest are, etc. I also let them know that my job is to "help" them, not necessarily make their life easier (although I hope I do!), but that I am there for them. I have kids that aren't on IEP's, always asking me when they get to come to my room, because I try to develop a rapport, not just with my kids, but any of the kids I see daily in classes, hallway, etc. I still have students from years ago come to visit me (just had two yesterday!) and when I see them at the store or somewhere, they will come up and hug me or talk to me. I just went to my son's honor roll assembly yesterday and had several of my former students come up to talk to me, smile and wave "hi", and I got a few hugs, and two of them even sat by me. Those are the little rewards that let me know that they remember I care about them, even when I took recess away, even when I made them complete an assignment over, even when I called their parents to let them know about poor behavior choices, even though I'm a "strict" teacher. That to me is the most important part of building rapport and you can't fake it!
Larrilee, so true about your comment that kids know whether you really care or as you say fake it. I believe that being strict, consistent, fair and setting the boundaries, students want this and they know that they are cared for and loved, even when they make mistakes. Great message, loved it!
I have an open door policy. I make sure my kids know they are always welcome and encouraged to come talk to me at any time of the day. I respect my kids from day one and show them that they are all so important to me. I get to know what they like and incorporate it into our lessons or brain break activities. I spend the extra time with a child who may be struggling that day. I spend about a minute at the start of each lesson asking my students how their day is going and letting them tell me their stories. I've learned it cuts down on a lot of chatter later on and literally takes less than 60 out of our lesson.
I think it is important to take the time to build relationships with each student. Get to know them outside of class and find things you have in common. I think it is also very important to be genuine and kind whenever possible. Students as well as all people pick up on your sincere interest in them and will likely reciprocate those feelings.
Getting to know students is incredibly important. Nothing means more to them than when they come in and ask if you know about their game - they love it when you say yes! And finding out what they enjoy enables you to further individualize their learning program. I, too, agree that you need to be genuine (they can tell when you're not) and that it is just as important as getting to know them. They can tell when you're just asking questions because you think you should. The more we invest in our students, the more potential for success there is.
I love getting to know the students on a personal level. Every Friday, I let my students eat in my room for lunch. I didn't think this was a big deal... but the kids look forward to it every week. They make sure that if there is no school Friday, I am sure to let them come in that Thursday. They'll try and sneak a few in during the week sometimes too, but I've made sure we stick to Fridays. It has been really fun and just a time for us all to hang out informally and be goofy. I think trying to form that bond outside of teaching and grading with the students is so important. Lets the student feel a bit more relaxed and shows that just as they are not just a student, we are not just teachers. We are all unique individuals. My kids love hearing about my mom or dad or when I was little. It is funny to see their reactions to things that they don't think about when it comes to their teacher. My dad came to visit last year, as well as my grandpa. They were just silent and in awe for the first 5 minutes, then had tons of questions after the confusion died down. Anyways, I think, not only is it important to get to know the students, but let them know you too!
I let the students earn the "privilege" to eat with me in my classroom once a month. It is amazing to me how much you learn about them (sometimes not necessarily things you want to know) in that setting. I like that you involve your family so the kids get to know you more personally, as well!
I was always amazed when I taught, how students would save tokens and pass up on what I thought were "better" rewards to have the opportunity to eat lunch with me. I think that nails it though, it gave them an opportunity to share things they wanted me to know about them on a personal level.
I think students need to feel that when they speak or answer a question that it is ok to be wrong and not judged. Some students hesitate due to the fact others may make comments about what they say, so they say nothing. Open ended questions help with that, where there is no "correct answer" Students will open up when they fee safe in that environment.
Having a safe environment is SO important to building rapport. Giving the "wrong" answer can be so intimidating, but can also become a worthwhile teachable moment. However, in order to do that the student must feel safe. I agree with your take on open ended questions - forming an opinion (and being able to support it) can be much more informative for the teacher than an answer with a correct response.
It is hard for a student answer a question for a teacher in front of his/her peers and feel like they are going be made fun of. Kids today have gotten away from public speaking or do not know how to speak in public, and that is a skill that they must have now before getting out of high school. They think that they have to have the right answer to be safe from kids that will make fun of them.
I work one on one with students so I build rapport with my students individually. I also am with them throughout their school career, or when they exit from the IEP. When I first meet a student, I try to have something fun for them to do. We talk and I try to get to know the student. At the end of my sessions, I usually let them have a couple minutes free time on the iPad. Throughout the year I try to incorporate things that are interesting to them so they stay engaged with me and will continue liking to come work with me.
I agree with the others about consistency in our classrooms. Along with that I also feel that we need to have high expectations for our students, make them feel and believe that they can do things that they have not ever done before. Years ago when we had AR as our reading program I had a 6th grade boy who came to middle school never having met a reading goal yet. I worked with him for 1 nine week period. At the end of the 9 weeks he had met his goal, the first one ever in over 3 years! I can not even describe how excited he was, and me too! For the remainder of his time here he met every reading goal that was set for him. This took both belief in himself and my belief in him to accommplish that. When students feel that the teacher truely believes in them they can and do accommplish great things!
I am part of the Guding Coalition PLC at the KMS and we are also doing a book study called "Better Than Carrots or Sticks". It is about restorative practices for positive classroom management. Each teacher in this PLC has been given the task of choosing 1 student and talking to him/her for 2 minutes on 10 different occasions in a 1 week period. For a years our school has been talking about building relationships with students and this is one way to begin. Another way is to be involved in school activities. Go to their games, concerts, art shows, etc.. volunteer to work at school functions; students like it when they see that teachers take an interest in what they do outside of class.
Interesting idea....talking/interacting with one student, 2 x a day for 5 days.... How are the students responding? I bet your'e seeing some positive results.
Building rapport with out students is crucial. I make it a point to try to build a positive rapport with my kiddos by keeping a relaxed environment, getting to know them, and showing them that I have a genuine interest in their well being. My students know that if they put in the work, I will go to bat for them. We celebrate birthdays (even at the high school level) and celebrate their victories (in and out of school). Without rapport there is no respect - we can ask things of them, but will ultimately get little in return. Too often our students do not get these things at home - ours is a classroom family and one where they feel comfortable and safe. To me, that is sometimes all it takes to truly help a student.
You are right! Students need to know that you have respect for them. They need to feel safe. When they know you respect them and they are safe with you...that's when you build rapport.
I think developing a rapport with your students is very important. But the big thing is that in special education we tend to see the same students year after year and that might be a little bit more challenging then a normal classroom teacher seeing students only once or twice a day. Sure we get new students every so often and we know we immediately need to start a good rapport with them but we may need to renew that rapport every year at the start of the school year with the students that we always have from year to year. For older students that come back year after year we need to renew that rapport with them, we could ask them how their summer went, what did you do that was exciting, or find out what they what to do as a career when they get out of high school. Because from year to year that career may change so it's good to know that information. It is also good to know what they did over the summer to get an idea of how much we need a review from the previous year in order for me to learn what they retained in their academics from the previous school year. That way if I need to go back and review some of the more important material that I feel that they need to know in order to move on, then so be it. Obviously starting out on the right foot with a new student or even a repeating student in my room is very important. Being friendly and letting them know the expectations that I want them to accomplish for the school year to me is very important for them to know. As for the younger students in elementary in my experience I like to joke around a lot and be funny that way I can gain their trust and they will be more willing to work with me so they can become a better student.
I get to know my students and build relationships with them. If I have a large class, we do some team-building activities. No matter how many students I might have, I take the time to sit and visit with them. It might burn some instructional time, but I feel like those relationships go a long way toward building a good classroom climate and I rarely have behavior issues. I am very clear about my expectations and that I know every student can learn.
How can we create an environment in our classes that really develops rapport?
I feel that we have to make sure that our students feel safe and feel validated not only as students but also as individuals. Since I have them year after year and most of them are in at least one of my son's classes, that I have built relationships with them. This is not only on an academic level but on a personal level. I Like it when he talked about in the book that he seems to not have trouble with those students that others do. I see that and experience that on a daily basis. I feel my biggest way to build rapport is to just let them know that I care about how they are doing even when they aren't in my class.
I totally agree that building rapport is crucial. If we don't have that rapport then we won't be able to reach them in order to help them. We have to make them feel like they are worth the effort. Now a days so many kids feel like they are nothing and as role models we have to show them differently.
I like to start off the year by having the kids create things for our classroom and just getting to know them. I interview them and we do several activities to get to know each other. I do them right along with them or present my version of the complete project first. I feel that by just listening and askin them questions about themselves that they will open up. It is also something that takes time, you are not going to build a good relationship with anyone overnight!
It definitely does take time. Getting that relationship built as quickly as possible will help, so asking the students questions and also telling the students about yourself will help build those relationships. There are days that my student(s) and I will just sit at the sand table play in the sand and chat. Doing this allows me to get to know the kiddo better and build that relationship with him or her.....we may not have accomplished anything academic this day, but in the long run it is very beneficial.
Time is one of the things we sped teachers have an advantage over gen ed teachers because so many of us get to have our kiddos for multiple years. I teach high school, so I have mine all four years and I work at getting to know them more and more each year.
I think that building rapport with students is crucial when working with SpEd kids. I use a lot of the "I noticed" statements at first so that the kids know that I notice little things about them each day. I also like to ask lots of questions about what they like to do outside of school when we are working in groups. I think that by doing that, it helps to develop the rapport and to build trust. I also like to greet each of my students in the morning with a smile and some kind of statement that lets them know that I am so glad they are at school today. I have found that by building rapport and trust with my kiddos, I can get so much further academically and behaviorally. My behavior kiddos trust me so much that I can get them to do things that other teachers can't. It's all about relationships.
I agree that it is all about relationships, and building positive relationships. A teacher can get so much more out of a student if they feel that there is a positive, reciprocal relationship.
I think just by having an open door to the kiddos, and letting them know that the room is their safe, comforting space will help build an environment that develops rapport. Also, picking up on the kiddos interests and using that information to build a relationship with them. Just in the past week, I had a group of girls that I was working with and one of them starting singing the song that goes along with the Cup Song from Pitch Perfect....so what did I do? Grabbed a cup of pens/markers that was on my desk, dumped it out and tried to tap out the cup song. Fortunately, my daughter and I watched the YouTube video one weekend and learned it, but I made it look not so good. All the girls took a turn and we got a good laugh at the whole situation. This less than 5 minute break was just what they needed, they were able to refocus and get back into "work" and it allowed me to build the relationship and rapport with these girls.
Rapport is very important to 5 and 6 year old kids. They need to know they can trust you with everything they tell you and that you are listening. They need to know what is good for the goose is good for the gander! If they even think for one moment you let someone else get by with something they will tell you about it. So letting them know you will treat each and every one of them the same is important. Just another reason why the first 9 weeks of Kindergarten can be so painful because we spend so much of our time teaching the rules and procedures of school. We spend so much of our time in the beginning just listening to our new littles that some days that is all we get done but in the end it is well worth it!
Everyone seems to pretty much agree that in order to build rapport you have to build trust, get to know your students, let them see you as a real person, and value them as individuals. Another way I build rapport with my students is to be their cheerleader (I even have pom-poms that I use from time to time!). They also learn pretty quickly that if they are doing what they are supposed to do, I will go to bat for them on almost any issue.
I agree with you...build trust in the students and rapport will soon follow. They need to know you are their cheerleader! I like the pom-poms! I also have pom-poms in my classroom!
I want my students to be comfortable when they are in my classroom. They know the rules and as long as they abide by them we have laughs, learning and friendships hapening
Getting to know students on a personal level is one way I have built rapport. I've been to a quinceanera, taken a meal to the house when a Mom had surgery, and visited an ill student at home. I try to find out each student's area of interest and use that to form a common bond.
Karen I really like that you take a personal interest in your students. Attending community events and other considerations are so special and can really have a big impact on the relationship with your student and their families.
Sharing some things about yourself, being real and building that trust is definitely key and yes being consistent. I agree with Karen that finding out areas of interest, especially if you find a mutual interest.
Building rapport can be challenging when you are not directly involved with students. At the Elementary level, I try to make myself very visible to students prior to their three year reevaluations or initials. I try to go into their classrooms, greet them in the hall, or be present somehow so when I go to pull them for the first time, they are already familiar with my face. I love to go in and observe in the classroom, that way they have seen me in a familiar setting. Prior to testing, I will just engage in a conversation with the student. I tend to try to find something they like to talk about and go with it. I also have lots of pictures up of my family in my office which somehow seems to make kids more relaxed. I want to build rapport before I even begin trying to assess a student. Building a relationship is crucial before beginning any type of work.
I briefly addressed this in my last post. I have found that building a rapport requires me to listen to my students, let them know they are heard before I demand to be listened to. As an administrator of a charter school, I found that I could build rapport with the students by actually allowing them to speak and to find out what made them tick. It is the same with students with disabilities. Sometimes all it takes to stop and listen to them. Get on their eye level and hear what they are saying. Sometimes what they say can be verbal, an action, or an emotion. Once they know we care, they will be more ready to learn.
I agree that taking a genuine interest in who your students are what they are about is very important. I like that you mentioned getting on their level and letting them be heard before demanding them to listen to you. This is so important in establishing trust and respect.
I like how you said let them know they are heard before you demand them to listen to you. I think that is just a good concept in dealing with everyone we come in contact with. I have also learned that students will respect what you have to say if you respect them.
Getting you to know your students by finding out their interests and their background is very important in order to establish a good rapport.I have my students do an interest inventory at the beginning of each school year. This also includes taking an interest in their families and showing support for your student through creating a positive and nurturing atmosphere from day one.When I have open house at the beginning of the year welcoming those who attend is very important but contacting parents who are unable to attend and staying in contact through out the year, not just at conferences or IEP meetings. Parents what to know that you take genuine interest in their child and their future. So communication on a regular basis is key.
When I ask students who their favorite teachers are and why, they typically give a response related to the teacher caring about them. And it’s not in a way that comes across as the teacher just being a nice person in general or that they teach the kiddo’s favorite class, but that the student feels personally valued by this instructor. For example, I’ve had several students tell me that ‘Class A’ is their most difficult, or that the teacher of ‘Class A’ is strict, gives out a lot of homework, etc., but they’ll still say that ‘Class A’ is their most favorite part of the day. When I ask them why, it always comes back to the teacher listening to them and caring about them. I think an instructor’s attitude and outlook towards students can go a LONG way.
I like to take that interview question to the next level too and ask why teacher A and B are their favorites. They almost always say they listen, care about me, joke around. Like you say, it boils down to the student feeling valued by the teacher.
It's already been mentioned here, but fairness, consistency, positive discipline, taking an earnest interest in your student's lives help build their trust in you.
I believe the first and most important way to create rapport is to have fairness and consistency. When students see and feel that their classroom teacher is fair to all students, it starts the trust factor.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that consistency is vital in creating good rapport in your classroom. Students thrive in consistency. Consistency helps students feel comfortable and confident about what they are doing, which allows them to learn more and become more independent.
DeleteChris,
DeleteIt is hard to have a good rapport with someone you don't trust. Fairness and consistency do work towards building trust. I tend to avoid people whom I believe are unfair, I don't trust them. Students are no different than we are in that respect.
I had never really given much thought to "fairness" in the classroom. It's just something I've always tried to do. But the way you said it really made me stop and think about the way it comes into play when talking about rapport.
DeleteTrust is big in building rapport! I think consistency is huge! I also believe showing empathy and a true desire to help the students goes a long way also. They get to know that you value them and want them to be successful.
DeleteThat is an awesome point, how can you have good rapport with someone you do not trust? My students focus on fairness a great deal.
DeleteGood points Chris! Consistency is huge, especially in working with they types of kiddos that we all work with. I think that when they know what to expect and how you are going to react, it breaks down a lot of barriers, and begins trust building.
DeleteTrust is the major key in building rapport
DeleteChris-
DeleteI also agree with you about consistency. I think this is especially important for our kiddos who have trouble with their behavior. It makes it so much more difficult for them to learn what is or isn't appropriate when expectations vary from one day to the next, or even from one hour to the next!
One way I develop rapport with my students is working in small groups. This is something I can't change since I have a few kids to group together at my buildings, but I do feel it is beneficial. I also feel like I have built a rapport with my students by working with them year after year. Also, I take an interest in and talk to students about what they do outside of school. We usually talk about how they did at the last event or activity. One student in particular tends to be very quiet and shy. I’ve worked with him for 3 years now, and I finally feel like I’m building a rapport with him. I ask him about his activities and life outside of school and allow him to share without pushing or prying.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that working in small groups does help create rapport. It is a way to really take the time to get to you know your students. I also think it is important to try to make time to teach or talk to students one-on-one. If they feel that they have a special bond with you then they tend to be more engaged because they know you care.
DeleteThat is one advantage about teaching SPED instead of being a regular Ed teacher, you definitely get to know your students better.
DeleteHaving your student for more than one year is a huge help! I have a little guy this year who I won't have next year (this is my first year in this district) and I'm so sad about it. We have a great relationship already and he has opened up and is starting to make huge improvements with his reading. It just breaks my heart that he won't be on my caseload next year. I'll have to make sure and say hi when I see him :-)
DeleteI can relate to it taking awhile to build rapport with our students, Jessica. We only get them a short time. I have one student that is profoundly deaf that I have worked with for 3 years. Making the shift to Kindergarten was huge and you saw some of the trust fall away, or change. He still liked his interpreters and me since we are the ones that give him the information he needs but it wasn't until recently that he has begun to trust what we say is true and will follow directions right away instead of waiting to see if peers are doing it. Occasionally he still waits for the peers, which is common for deaf students, but it's great to see that he trusts us with our interpreting of the other adults around him.
DeleteJessica,
DeleteDon't you think taking time to talk to students about their interests makes them feel valued? I do.
We loop at the middle school where I teach. Each sped teacher works with a group of students for 3 years; 6th-8th grade. It is a great way to build that relationship. Relationships take time and I am fortunate to have 3 years with each of my students!
DeleteSmall groups are definitely beneficial to building rapport I also agree with your point about working with kiddos from year to year. I think it is awesome to get to watch the kids grow each year and being a part of that growth. :)
Deletebeing one on one definately helps to build rapport
DeleteI think that in order to develop rapport in our classroom we need to build a sense of trust and respect. We need to give respect to each and everyone of our students right from the beginning. I believe that we don't get respect until we give it. I think it is also important to make each child feel important and like they have a say. By doing this students become confident in themselves in their learning and therefore are more engaged and accountable for their learning.
ReplyDeleteMichelle,
DeleteI totally agree with you that trust and respect are crucial. My question is, why would anyone want to teach if they did not respect the students?
What a great point! I never have understood that either. Especially when I see students frustrated and unable to change the situation they are in. Teaching is difficult enough, and when students don't feel appreciated or respected, they won't give their best effort.
DeleteRespect is a huge factor. I try to show my kiddos respect as I wish they would show to others.
DeleteJessica-
DeleteI agree with your comment about students not giving their best effort when they don't feel appreciated or respected. We have a kiddo in one of my districts who works fine for me, for his interrelated teacher, for his paras, and for other teachers, but when he goes to a particular classroom, it's immediately a battle. I know it's not because of the content, because like I mentioned before, he can do the same tasks with another person, and he doesn't exhibit the same reactions. Also, he has made several comments to suggest that he doesn't feel valued by that particular teacher. And no matter if what the teacher's doing is right or wrong, it comes back to the point that this is how the student feels in that class, so this is what the child's going to do in that class.
To build rapport with students I visit with them and show genuine interest in their interests. I think almost any activity where students are engaged with material I'm using helps build rapport. Trust, honesty, and fairness are also important factors. If I'm not honest or I destroy another's trust in me, I've lost them.
ReplyDeleteShowing interest in what students enjoy is a way of telling the student they are important. I have tried to attend at least one game or event for my students, which is pretty tough. I have't made it to all of them, but I feel like it gives me something to talk to them about, especially if I can highlight something I saw them do.
DeleteFor me, the biggest thing I do to build rapport and develop a positive relationship with students is to make sure they know I care about them. Not just telling them that I do, but showing them that I do by my words and actions. I try to really listen to a child when they talk to me, and get to know what they like, what their interest are, etc. I also let them know that my job is to "help" them, not necessarily make their life easier (although I hope I do!), but that I am there for them. I have kids that aren't on IEP's, always asking me when they get to come to my room, because I try to develop a rapport, not just with my kids, but any of the kids I see daily in classes, hallway, etc. I still have students from years ago come to visit me (just had two yesterday!) and when I see them at the store or somewhere, they will come up and hug me or talk to me. I just went to my son's honor roll assembly yesterday and had several of my former students come up to talk to me, smile and wave "hi", and I got a few hugs, and two of them even sat by me. Those are the little rewards that let me know that they remember I care about them, even when I took recess away, even when I made them complete an assignment over, even when I called their parents to let them know about poor behavior choices, even though I'm a "strict" teacher. That to me is the most important part of building rapport and you can't fake it!
ReplyDeleteLarrilee, so true about your comment that kids know whether you really care or as you say fake it. I believe that being strict, consistent, fair and setting the boundaries, students want this and they know that they are cared for and loved, even when they make mistakes. Great message, loved it!
DeleteI have an open door policy. I make sure my kids know they are always welcome and encouraged to come talk to me at any time of the day. I respect my kids from day one and show them that they are all so important to me. I get to know what they like and incorporate it into our lessons or brain break activities. I spend the extra time with a child who may be struggling that day. I spend about a minute at the start of each lesson asking my students how their day is going and letting them tell me their stories. I've learned it cuts down on a lot of chatter later on and literally takes less than 60 out of our lesson.
ReplyDeleteI think it is important to take the time to build relationships with each student. Get to know them outside of class and find things you have in common. I think it is also very important to be genuine and kind whenever possible. Students as well as all people pick up on your sincere interest in them and will likely reciprocate those feelings.
ReplyDeleteGetting to know students is incredibly important. Nothing means more to them than when they come in and ask if you know about their game - they love it when you say yes! And finding out what they enjoy enables you to further individualize their learning program. I, too, agree that you need to be genuine (they can tell when you're not) and that it is just as important as getting to know them. They can tell when you're just asking questions because you think you should. The more we invest in our students, the more potential for success there is.
DeleteI love getting to know the students on a personal level. Every Friday, I let my students eat in my room for lunch. I didn't think this was a big deal... but the kids look forward to it every week. They make sure that if there is no school Friday, I am sure to let them come in that Thursday. They'll try and sneak a few in during the week sometimes too, but I've made sure we stick to Fridays. It has been really fun and just a time for us all to hang out informally and be goofy.
ReplyDeleteI think trying to form that bond outside of teaching and grading with the students is so important. Lets the student feel a bit more relaxed and shows that just as they are not just a student, we are not just teachers. We are all unique individuals. My kids love hearing about my mom or dad or when I was little. It is funny to see their reactions to things that they don't think about when it comes to their teacher.
My dad came to visit last year, as well as my grandpa. They were just silent and in awe for the first 5 minutes, then had tons of questions after the confusion died down.
Anyways, I think, not only is it important to get to know the students, but let them know you too!
I let the students earn the "privilege" to eat with me in my classroom once a month. It is amazing to me how much you learn about them (sometimes not necessarily things you want to know) in that setting. I like that you involve your family so the kids get to know you more personally, as well!
DeleteI was always amazed when I taught, how students would save tokens and pass up on what I thought were "better" rewards to have the opportunity to eat lunch with me. I think that nails it though, it gave them an opportunity to share things they wanted me to know about them on a personal level.
DeleteI think students need to feel that when they speak or answer a question that it is ok to be wrong and not judged. Some students hesitate due to the fact others may make comments about what they say, so they say nothing. Open ended questions help with that, where there is no "correct answer" Students will open up when they fee safe in that environment.
ReplyDeleteHaving a safe environment is SO important to building rapport. Giving the "wrong" answer can be so intimidating, but can also become a worthwhile teachable moment. However, in order to do that the student must feel safe. I agree with your take on open ended questions - forming an opinion (and being able to support it) can be much more informative for the teacher than an answer with a correct response.
DeleteIt is hard for a student answer a question for a teacher in front of his/her peers and feel like they are going be made fun of. Kids today have gotten away from public speaking or do not know how to speak in public, and that is a skill that they must have now before getting out of high school. They think that they have to have the right answer to be safe from kids that will make fun of them.
DeleteI work one on one with students so I build rapport with my students individually. I also am with them throughout their school career, or when they exit from the IEP. When I first meet a student, I try to have something fun for them to do. We talk and I try to get to know the student. At the end of my sessions, I usually let them have a couple minutes free time on the iPad. Throughout the year I try to incorporate things that are interesting to them so they stay engaged with me and will continue liking to come work with me.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the others about consistency in our classrooms. Along with that I also feel that we need to have high expectations for our students, make them feel and believe that they can do things that they have not ever done before. Years ago when we had AR as our reading program I had a 6th grade boy who came to middle school never having met a reading goal yet. I worked with him for 1 nine week period. At the end of the 9 weeks he had met his goal, the first one ever in over 3 years! I can not even describe how excited he was, and me too! For the remainder of his time here he met every reading goal that was set for him. This took both belief in himself and my belief in him to accommplish that. When students feel that the teacher truely believes in them they can and do accommplish great things!
ReplyDeleteI am part of the Guding Coalition PLC at the KMS and we are also doing a book study called "Better Than Carrots or Sticks". It is about restorative practices for positive classroom management. Each teacher in this PLC has been given the task of choosing 1 student and talking to him/her for 2 minutes on 10 different occasions in a 1 week period. For a years our school has been talking about building relationships with students and this is one way to begin. Another way is to be involved in school activities. Go to their games, concerts, art shows, etc.. volunteer to work at school functions; students like it when they see that teachers take an interest in what they do outside of class.
Interesting idea....talking/interacting with one student, 2 x a day for 5 days.... How are the students responding? I bet your'e seeing some positive results.
DeleteBuilding rapport with out students is crucial. I make it a point to try to build a positive rapport with my kiddos by keeping a relaxed environment, getting to know them, and showing them that I have a genuine interest in their well being. My students know that if they put in the work, I will go to bat for them. We celebrate birthdays (even at the high school level) and celebrate their victories (in and out of school). Without rapport there is no respect - we can ask things of them, but will ultimately get little in return. Too often our students do not get these things at home - ours is a classroom family and one where they feel comfortable and safe. To me, that is sometimes all it takes to truly help a student.
ReplyDeleteRespect is huge! I agree that some students do not get that at home but they also don't get it at school from their peers and even their teachers!!
DeleteYou are right! Students need to know that you have respect for them. They need to feel safe. When they know you respect them and they are safe with you...that's when you build rapport.
DeleteI think developing a rapport with your students is very important. But the big thing is that in special education we tend to see the same students year after year and that might be a little bit more challenging then a normal classroom teacher seeing students only once or twice a day. Sure we get new students every so often and we know we immediately need to start a good rapport with them but we may need to renew that rapport every year at the start of the school year with the students that we always have from year to year. For older students that come back year after year we need to renew that rapport with them, we could ask them how their summer went, what did you do that was exciting, or find out what they what to do as a career when they get out of high school. Because from year to year that career may change so it's good to know that information. It is also good to know what they did over the summer to get an idea of how much we need a review from the previous year in order for me to learn what they retained in
ReplyDeletetheir academics from the previous school year. That way if I need to go back and review some of the more important material that I feel that they need to know in order to move on, then so be it. Obviously starting out on the right foot with a new student or even a repeating student in my room is very important. Being friendly and letting them know the expectations that I want them to accomplish for the school year to me is very important for them to know. As for the younger
students in elementary in my experience I like to joke around a lot and be funny that way I can gain their trust and they will be more willing to work with me so they can become a better student.
I get to know my students and build relationships with them. If I have a large class, we do some team-building activities. No matter how many students I might have, I take the time to sit and visit with them. It might burn some instructional time, but I feel like those relationships go a long way toward building a good classroom climate and I rarely have behavior issues. I am very clear about my expectations and that I know every student can learn.
ReplyDeleteHow can we create an environment in our classes that really develops rapport?
ReplyDeleteI feel that we have to make sure that our students feel safe and feel validated not only as students but also as individuals. Since I have them year after year and most of them are in at least one of my son's classes, that I have built relationships with them. This is not only on an academic level but on a personal level. I Like it when he talked about in the book that he seems to not have trouble with those students that others do. I see that and experience that on a daily basis. I feel my biggest way to build rapport is to just let them know that I care about how they are doing even when they aren't in my class.
I agree that students need to feel validated by you in order to trust you and let you into their world enough to build rapport with them.
DeleteI totally agree that building rapport is crucial. If we don't have that rapport then we won't be able to reach them in order to help them. We have to make them feel like they are worth the effort. Now a days so many kids feel like they are nothing and as role models we have to show them differently.
ReplyDeleteI like to start off the year by having the kids create things for our classroom and just getting to know them. I interview them and we do several activities to get to know each other. I do them right along with them or present my version of the complete project first. I feel that by just listening and askin them questions about themselves that they will open up. It is also something that takes time, you are not going to build a good relationship with anyone overnight!
ReplyDeleteIt definitely does take time. Getting that relationship built as quickly as possible will help, so asking the students questions and also telling the students about yourself will help build those relationships. There are days that my student(s) and I will just sit at the sand table play in the sand and chat. Doing this allows me to get to know the kiddo better and build that relationship with him or her.....we may not have accomplished anything academic this day, but in the long run it is very beneficial.
DeleteTime is one of the things we sped teachers have an advantage over gen ed teachers because so many of us get to have our kiddos for multiple years. I teach high school, so I have mine all four years and I work at getting to know them more and more each year.
DeleteWe do have an advantage in that we have several years to get to know out students and build relationships as well as build on their strengths.
DeleteI think that building rapport with students is crucial when working with SpEd kids. I use a lot of the "I noticed" statements at first so that the kids know that I notice little things about them each day. I also like to ask lots of questions about what they like to do outside of school when we are working in groups. I think that by doing that, it helps to develop the rapport and to build trust. I also like to greet each of my students in the morning with a smile and some kind of statement that lets them know that I am so glad they are at school today. I have found that by building rapport and trust with my kiddos, I can get so much further academically and behaviorally. My behavior kiddos trust me so much that I can get them to do things that other teachers can't. It's all about relationships.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is all about relationships, and building positive relationships. A teacher can get so much more out of a student if they feel that there is a positive, reciprocal relationship.
DeleteI think just by having an open door to the kiddos, and letting them know that the room is their safe, comforting space will help build an environment that develops rapport. Also, picking up on the kiddos interests and using that information to build a relationship with them. Just in the past week, I had a group of girls that I was working with and one of them starting singing the song that goes along with the Cup Song from Pitch Perfect....so what did I do? Grabbed a cup of pens/markers that was on my desk, dumped it out and tried to tap out the cup song. Fortunately, my daughter and I watched the YouTube video one weekend and learned it, but I made it look not so good. All the girls took a turn and we got a good laugh at the whole situation. This less than 5 minute break was just what they needed, they were able to refocus and get back into "work" and it allowed me to build the relationship and rapport with these girls.
ReplyDeleteRapport is very important to 5 and 6 year old kids. They need to know they can trust you with everything they tell you and that you are listening. They need to know what is good for the goose is good for the gander! If they even think for one moment you let someone else get by with something they will tell you about it. So letting them know you will treat each and every one of them the same is important. Just another reason why the first 9 weeks of Kindergarten can be so painful because we spend so much of our time teaching the rules and procedures of school. We spend so much of our time in the beginning just listening to our new littles that some days that is all we get done but in the end it is well worth it!
ReplyDeleteEveryone seems to pretty much agree that in order to build rapport you have to build trust, get to know your students, let them see you as a real person, and value them as individuals. Another way I build rapport with my students is to be their cheerleader (I even have pom-poms that I use from time to time!). They also learn pretty quickly that if they are doing what they are supposed to do, I will go to bat for them on almost any issue.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you...build trust in the students and rapport will soon follow. They need to know you are their cheerleader! I like the pom-poms! I also have pom-poms in my classroom!
DeleteI want my students to be comfortable when they are in my classroom. They know the rules and as long as they abide by them we have laughs, learning and friendships hapening
ReplyDeleteGetting to know students on a personal level is one way I have built rapport. I've been to a quinceanera, taken a meal to the house when a Mom had surgery, and visited an ill student at home. I try to find out each student's area of interest and use that to form a common bond.
ReplyDeleteKaren I really like that you take a personal interest in your students. Attending community events and other considerations are so special and can really have a big impact on the relationship with your student and their families.
DeleteSharing some things about yourself, being real and building that trust is definitely key and yes being consistent. I agree with Karen that finding out areas of interest, especially if you find a mutual interest.
ReplyDeleteBuilding rapport can be challenging when you are not directly involved with students. At the Elementary level, I try to make myself very visible to students prior to their three year reevaluations or initials. I try to go into their classrooms, greet them in the hall, or be present somehow so when I go to pull them for the first time, they are already familiar with my face. I love to go in and observe in the classroom, that way they have seen me in a familiar setting. Prior to testing, I will just engage in a conversation with the student. I tend to try to find something they like to talk about and go with it. I also have lots of pictures up of my family in my office which somehow seems to make kids more relaxed. I want to build rapport before I even begin trying to assess a student. Building a relationship is crucial before beginning any type of work.
ReplyDeleteI always try to let students see me visiting congenially with someone they trust before I pull them, too.
DeleteI briefly addressed this in my last post. I have found that building a rapport requires me to listen to my students, let them know they are heard before I demand to be listened to. As an administrator of a charter school, I found that I could build rapport with the students by actually allowing them to speak and to find out what made them tick. It is the same with students with disabilities. Sometimes all it takes to stop and listen to them. Get on their eye level and hear what they are saying. Sometimes what they say can be verbal, an action, or an emotion. Once they know we care, they will be more ready to learn.
ReplyDeleteI agree that taking a genuine interest in who your students are what they are about is very important. I like that you mentioned getting on their level and letting them be heard before demanding them to listen to you. This is so important in establishing trust and respect.
DeleteI like how you said let them know they are heard before you demand them to listen to you. I think that is just a good concept in dealing with everyone we come in contact with. I have also learned that students will respect what you have to say if you respect them.
DeleteGetting you to know your students by finding out their interests and their background is very important in order to establish a good rapport.I have my students do an interest inventory at the beginning of each school year. This also includes taking an interest in their families and showing support for your student through creating a positive and nurturing atmosphere from day one.When I have open house at the beginning of the year welcoming those who attend is very important but contacting parents who are unable to attend and staying in contact through out the year, not just at conferences or IEP meetings. Parents what to know that you take genuine interest in their child and their future. So communication on a regular basis is key.
ReplyDeleteWhen I ask students who their favorite teachers are and why, they typically give a response related to the teacher caring about them. And it’s not in a way that comes across as the teacher just being a nice person in general or that they teach the kiddo’s favorite class, but that the student feels personally valued by this instructor. For example, I’ve had several students tell me that ‘Class A’ is their most difficult, or that the teacher of ‘Class A’ is strict, gives out a lot of homework, etc., but they’ll still say that ‘Class A’ is their most favorite part of the day. When I ask them why, it always comes back to the teacher listening to them and caring about them. I think an instructor’s attitude and outlook towards students can go a LONG way.
ReplyDeleteI like to take that interview question to the next level too and ask why teacher A and B are their favorites. They almost always say they listen, care about me, joke around. Like you say, it boils down to the student feeling valued by the teacher.
DeleteIt's already been mentioned here, but fairness, consistency, positive discipline, taking an earnest interest in your student's lives help build their trust in you.
ReplyDelete