100 Ways to Build Relationships with Your Students

In education, we always say that building relationships with our students is so

important. But what are tangible ways of doing that? How can we actually build solid

relationships with our students?

As I was considering these questions, I decided to put together a list of 100 ways to build relationships with students. My hope is that this list gives you some new, fresh ways for you to connect with your students.

1. Have lunch together

2. Be genuine

3. Learn about their cultures

4. Teach them about yours

5. Learn words and phrases of the languages they speak

6. Be honest

7. Tell them your story

8. Share your life experiences

9. Go to their sports games or activities

10. Always say good morning

11. Always say goodbye

12. Hold a morning meeting

13. Provide time for kids to share

14. Be authentic

15. Ask them questions

16. Be supportive

17. Find things to love about every kid

18. Give praise

19. Shower them with positive reinforcement

20. Say, “I care about you”

21. Say “I love you”

22. Advocate for them

23. Find resources to get them food, clothes, or whatever they need

24. Give snacks

25. Provide a safe space

26. Accept them for who they are

27. Give high fives, knucks, & hugs

28. Always check in

29. Ask about their weekend

30. Ask about their family

31. Ask questions

32. Make time for them

33. Make jokes

34. Talk about current events

35. Teach SEL

36. Develop a risk-tolerant environment

37. Repair harm when it happens

38. Look them in the eyes

39. Share your emotions

40. Let them share their feelings

41. Show up to the concerts & recitals

42. Be extra encouraging

43. Be consistent

44. Be reliable

45. Show up when you say you will

46. Do home visits

47. Use CRT

48. Send home positive emails

49. Learn about their home lives

50. Show that you care

51. Let them teach you things they know

52. Let them show you what they are good at

53. Validate them

54. Give affirmation

55. Say, “you are loved”

56. Tell them why they are special

57. Say, “you matter”

58. Encourage self-expression

59. Help them feel valued

60. Express yourself

61. Let the little things go

62. Make sure they get breakfast

63. Show that you understand

64. Truly listen

65. Hear all sides of the story

66. Smile

67. Wave

68. Support them, even when mistakes are made

69. Be their biggest cheerleader

70. Make your love unconditional

71. Stay connected, even after years have passed

72. Be a trusted adult

73. Celebrate their successes

74. Get their names & pronouns right

75. Show them grace

76. Be understanding

77. Cut them a little slack when they need it

78. Make them laugh

79. Make them smile

80. Share stories from your life

81. Be patient

82. Make them feel seen

83. Make them feel heard

84. Make them feel comfortable

85. Offer your help

86. Ask what they need

87. Boost their self confidence

88. Play games together

89. Stay up to date on pop culture

90. Follow their favorite sports teams

91. Invite them to help you with a special project

92. Find things you have in common

93. Go on a field trip (and chat with them on the bus!)

94. Play & do activities during indoor recess

95. Say, “I missed you!” after being absent

96. Share pictures and videos

97. Participate in restorative circles

98. Notice their strengths and talents

99. Connect with the people they love & care about

100. Give them an abundance of love

What else would you add to this list? Let me know what you think by sending me a message over on Instagram @always.upper.elementary or tagging me in your posts! I would love to hear your favorite ways to build relationships with your students! :)

Also, make sure to follow me on Teachers Pay Teachers at this link! You will be the first to know about my sales, freebies, and newest products.

Happy teaching!

Natalie