Share with me: How do you build relationships when teaching someone?<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/nav>\n\n\n\nShow Students That You Care (It\u2019s All About the Little Things)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Think back to when someone remembered a small detail about you – your coffee order\u2026 a food you like\u2026 your dog\u2019s name\u2026 It felt good, right? That\u2019s how your students feel when you take the time to learn about them. Now\u2026 think about how you can take that little piece of magic and multiply it among your students!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2696\ufe0f Start each day with a quick check-in<\/h3>\n\n\n\n I start each of my classes with a quiz warm up, giving my students the opportunity to get into class mode with some fun pub-style questions. I enjoy using digital tools like Wordwall and Kahoot to engage them – it gives them an opportunity to take 10 minutes to get settled while playing along with the class. As I play these games, I learn a little about my students. I use these activities to ask them about their favourite hobbies, the things they have done on the weekend and what’s happening in their lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cHow was your soccer game last night, Mia?\u201d
By remembering their hobbies, favourite activities, or even what they\u2019re struggling with, I can create an environment where my students feel valued. And it’s these little moments that build trust and make students more likely to engage in your class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before you panic, you don\u2019t have to have an amazing memory! I am terrible at names and keeping track of the minutia of daily life\u2026 but we live in a digital age! I use a simple Notion template to keep track of my students and what\u2019s happening with them. I am not even ashamed to admit that I check it regularly and add little reminders for myself, and you shouldn’t either!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy? Because I want my students to feel connected to me, and you should too! Especially when they may not get the one-on-one time they would if I were an on-campus trainer. As a digital trainer and assessor with class sizes of 20+, I often don’t get to experience the same visual reactions from my students – the head nodding and the little sentences of comprehension – as digital classroom etiquette calls for predominantly muted participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, keep a small notebook or digital file with notes about each student. It\u2019s a lifesaver for remembering details and following up later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udcac Discussion Starter: What\u2019s one way you make your students feel seen and heard? Share your tips in the comments!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A colleague shared a heart-warming story about how she managed to connect with a particularly shy student in her class – a young boy who rarely spoke up and seemed hesitant to engage with their classmates. During a casual conversation, she learned that he loved soccer and played on a local team. She saw this as an opportunity to build rapport and so she made a conscious effort to ask him about his weekend games every Monday morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She\u2019d start with simple, open-ended questions like, \u201cHow did your game go this weekend?\u201d or \u201cWhat position did you play?\u201d At first, his responses were short, limited to a few words. But\u2026 she noticed a spark in his eyes every time he talked about his team or a goal he had scored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over time, these small, consistent interactions began to make a difference. She started weaving soccer into her lessons, using examples from the sport to explain concepts like statistics and teamwork strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One day, during a group activity, she overheard the boy explaining something to his classmates using a soccer analogy – and when she told me, you could see the joy spread across her face. It was the first time she had seen him confidently contribute to a discussion, and it was clear that he felt more at ease and comfortable around his classmates. As the weeks went on, his participation in class became more frequent, and he began to share his thoughts and ideas with greater enthusiasm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She not only helped him feel seen and valued but demonstrated how a small gesture of connection could transform a student\u2019s experience in the classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTry a “Getting to Know You” activity at the beginning of the year. Create a simple survey asking about hobbies, favourite books, or dream jobs. Then, reference these details in conversations or lessons\u2014it shows you care!<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udcac What are some creative ways you show interest in your students’ lives? Share your ideas below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make Your Classroom a Second Home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Did you know that there are some people who walk into a room and just don\u2019t feel welcome? It\u2019s something I have experienced so often in my adult life that I can no longer count the times on my fingers. Perhaps that\u2019s just me though\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\nNo! It turns out that\u2019s how some students feel if they don\u2019t see themselves represented or heard in the classroom. Your mission as an educator? To help change that narrative.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u2696\ufe0f Here\u2019s 3 ways you can create a Safe & Inclusive Space from Day 1<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nSet Ground Rules Together: Like a game of Dungeon\u2019s and Dragons with a new group, your training group might not know each other very well. And\u2026 just like in D&D, it\u2019s important to have a session 0. What does this mean for everyone who\u2019s not a D&D nerd? It means that on day one set the expectations of behaviour in the classroom as a group\u2026 especially where training is delivered through online mediums. Talk about rules that promote kindness, respect, and inclusion within the cohort. Encourage students to ask questions and then when they do, take the time to have a discussion about it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Celebrate Diversity: Celebrate the Diversity of your cohort and incorporate activities that showcase different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. A \u201cCultural Show-and-Tell\u201d day, for example, lets students share traditions, foods, or family stories.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Respond to Issues Quickly: If a student feels excluded or faces bullying, address it immediately. Let students know you\u2019re their ally. A safe classroom fosters creativity and confidence. When students feel accepted, they\u2019re more willing to share ideas, ask questions, and even make mistakes\u2014because they know they won\u2019t be judged.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udcac How do you make your classroom inclusive and welcoming? Let\u2019s inspire each other in the comments!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Create a Safe and Inclusive Environment <\/h3>\n\n\n\n Imagine walking into a room where you feel out of place\u2014how would you react? Students need to feel they belong, no matter their background or abilities. A safe, inclusive environment helps them thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One ex-teacher friend shared with me how she set up a “Kindness Wall” in her classroom. Students could write anonymous notes praising or thanking their classmates. Over time, this activity helped build a positive culture and encouraged shy students to participate more openly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I like to make sure to include activities that celebrate the diversity in my class, like “Cinco de Mayo,” where students share traditions or foods from their heritage. I think it\u2019s a great way to teach respect and foster inclusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be Consistent and Fair<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Consistency builds trust. Think of it like being a referee\u2014you need to apply the rules evenly to all players. When students see you\u2019re fair, they respect you more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One trainer recounted how she created a \u201cClassroom Agreement\u201d with her students at the start of the year. Together, they outlined rules and consequences, making everyone feel involved and accountable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Avoid showing favouritism, even unintentionally. For example, if one student gets an extra day to finish an assignment due to illness, extend the same courtesy to others in similar situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udcac How do you stay consistent and fair while managing a classroom? Share your tips with me!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use Encouragement (It\u2019s Free, and It Works!)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Everyone loves to be praised for their efforts, and students are no exception. Positive reinforcement can be a game-changer in building relationships and boosting morale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udf1f A fellow trainer shared how he started a \u201cStar of the Week\u201d tradition. Each week, a student was recognised for their efforts, like helping a classmate or showing improvement in a subject. Consider starting a \u201cStudent of the Week\u201d board where classmates can write something positive about the featured student. The smiles? Priceless<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2696\ufe0f Sprinkle encouragement throughout the session<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Not sure what that sounds like? Consider these easy prompts!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nPraise effort, not just results\n\nI love how hard you worked on that math problem, even though it was tricky!<\/li>\n\n\n\n It was great to see Jodie, Uma and Jose\u2019 listening to each others ideas to come up with a solution that worked!<\/li>\n\n\n\n I can see how much time you spent perfecting your art project, Priya\u2014amazing dedication!<\/li>\n\n\n\n You really pushed through the challenge in that science experiment, Amir. Way to go!<\/li>\n\n\n\n I admire the creative way you brainstormed ideas during group work, Mei.<\/li>\n\n\n\n You didn\u2019t give up when that problem got tough, Kwame, and it paid off!<\/li>\n\n\n\n The focus you had while writing your essay was so impressive, Sofia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Thank you for being so thorough with your research on this topic, Ahmed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n You worked so patiently through those coding errors, Janelle\u2014great persistence!<\/li>\n\n\n\n Even though it didn\u2019t turn out how you hoped, Haruto, I\u2019m so proud of how hard you tried.<\/li>\n\n\n\n I loved seeing you ask thoughtful questions to improve your understanding, Lucia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s amazing how you stayed calm and kept trying, even when things got frustrating, Elias.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n Celebrate the small victories\n\nGreat job remembering to raise your hand today, Liam!<\/li>\n\n\n\n You should be so proud that you\u2019ve passed another unit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Great job organising your desk before starting class today, Abdul!<\/li>\n\n\n\n You remembered to write your name on your paper\u2014awesome attention to detail, Nia!<\/li>\n\n\n\n You were so kind in helping your partner during group activity, Hugo.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Well done for completing your assignment on time this week, Zainab!<\/li>\n\n\n\n I noticed you stayed focused for the entire lesson\u2014nice work, Carlos!<\/li>\n\n\n\n Excellent effort in contributing your idea during our class discussion, Ayana.<\/li>\n\n\n\n I saw you try something new during PE today, Aisha\u2014way to be brave!<\/li>\n\n\n\n Great job remembering to bring your materials to class every day this week, Arjun.<\/li>\n\n\n\n You did a fantastic job pronouncing that tricky word in reading today, Leila.<\/li>\n\n\n\n I noticed you smiling more during group work\u2014way to stay positive, Mateo!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n Acknowledge growth\n\nYour reading skills have improved so much since the start of the term. Keep it up!<\/li>\n\n\n\n Look at you doing math on the fly! You must be so proud at how much your math skills have grown since the start of the course.<\/li>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ve gotten so much better at expressing your thoughts in writing, Maria. Well done!<\/li>\n\n\n\n Your confidence during presentations has grown so much, Tariq – keep it up!<\/li>\n\n\n\n I can see you\u2019ve been practicing your handwriting, Zahra – it\u2019s so much neater now.<\/li>\n\n\n\n You\u2019re really starting to grasp these new math concepts, and it\u2019s paying off, Omar!<\/li>\n\n\n\n Your teamwork skills have grown so much\u2014I love seeing you collaborate, Hana.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Remember when you struggled with spelling? Look at you now, Noah – amazing progress!<\/li>\n\n\n\n Your ability to manage your time has improved so much – great job staying on track, Sienna.<\/li>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ve become such a great problem-solver, Jamal. I\u2019m proud of your growth!<\/li>\n\n\n\n Look at how much your drawing skills have improved since the start of the term, Wei!<\/li>\n\n\n\n Your ability to stay focused during independent work has really impressed me lately, Fatima.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThese moments show students that you see their progress, and it motivates them to keep trying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udf97 Remember to use your Student\u2019s name often! It shows them that you\u2019ve taken the time to learn their name, which is critically important when delivering to large class sizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udcac What\u2019s your favourite way to encourage students? Drop your ideas below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be Approachable and Available<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Have you ever felt too intimidated to ask for help? Students might feel the same way, especially if they\u2019re struggling. Showing you\u2019re approachable can make all the difference. Encourage your students to reach out to you with their questions about class and take the time to respond to them with empathy and kindness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udca1 Create a Question Jar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Encourage your students to speak up by making it easy for them to ask questions or raise concerns without fear of judgement. A great tip that I\u2019ve adapted for the digital age of training is the Questions Jar. I heard about a teacher that had a physical \u201cQuestion Jar\u201d outside her office where students could anonymously submit questions or concerns\u2026 I\u2019ve updated this idea for the Digital Age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udca1 I\u2019ve created an anonymous form for students to complete where they can ask any question or raise any concerns. I share it on the bottom of my emails to my students and then address anything that comes up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By being available and open to questions, it helps my students share what they are feeling and open up to me – creating better learning outcomes for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tip: Consider holding weekly \u201cOffice Hours\u201d where students can drop by for extra help or just to chat. A simple \u201cHow\u2019s your day going?\u201d during these sessions can start meaningful conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udcac What strategies have helped you become more approachable to your students? Share your stories below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Relationships Matter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Strong relationships go beyond the classroom. They help students feel confident, capable, and supported, which can impact their academic and personal lives. It can feel really incredible to have a student, years later, reach out to thank you for being the first person to believe in their potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u23f1\ufe0f The time and effort you invest in building connections aren\u2019t just about better grades\u2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s about shaping the future of the people you are teaching. The recognition inspired students to support one another and try their best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are an on-campus trainer, consider keeping a small stash of \u201cthank you\u201d notes or stickers to give out when students do something great. Even verbal praise, like \u201cI\u2019m proud of how hard you worked on this,\u201d can be the reason a student enjoys their class with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udcac What\u2019s your favourite way to use positive reinforcement? Let\u2019s share ideas that inspire!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Share with me: How do you build relationships when teaching someone?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n What about you? How do you build relationships with your students? Have you tried something that worked wonders\u2014or maybe stumbled upon a lesson the hard way?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Share your experiences in the comments! Whether you\u2019re a veteran teacher or just starting, your tips can inspire others to create classrooms where students feel seen, supported, and ready to thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Till next time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Picture this: You\u2019re standing in front of a room full of people, ready to impart your wisdom to the next generation of industry experts\u2026 but something feels off. The energy is flat. People are looking down at their phones, intrigued by the funny dog video their friend sent them. As you look around, everyone looks…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[21,24,53,66],"class_list":["post-47","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-vocational-education","tag-digital-lessons","tag-education","tag-relationships","tag-trainer"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/redhotcrack.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/redhotcrack.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/redhotcrack.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/redhotcrack.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/redhotcrack.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=47"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/redhotcrack.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/redhotcrack.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=47"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/redhotcrack.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=47"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/redhotcrack.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=47"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}