The first steps…

So the idea behind this blog is about stepping outside of my comfort zone and trying new things.  But I want to step back and talk about setting up the environment that allows not only myself, but my students, to try these new things without fear of ridicule, embarrassment (ok, maybe a little embarrassment), or negative criticism.  

I think the quote pictured by Dr. Debbie Silver sums it up quite nicely.  Relationships are at the center of everything we do in education. The relationships we build with our students foster the positive classroom environment needed for our students, and ourselves, to take these risks and reap the benefits of trying new things.  My students and I learn and grow together every year, and I work hard to help my students FEEL that – not just know it.

Now I am not the first to blog about building relationships with students.  In fact, I was inspired to write this post after reading a blog post by a fellow classmate and math teacher.  I encourage you to click here to go see her post as she has some great ways to build positive relationships with her students.  I do many of the things she listed to build relationships, and believe they truly make a difference.  

Another thing I have done for the past few years is to write each of my students a personalized holiday card that I hand out a few days before winter break.  It has quickly become one of my absolute favorite days of the year. The students reactions are just amazing. It takes me a lot of time to write approximately 100 cards each year (in fact I haven’t even started mine for this year yet…), but seeing their reactions make it worth it.  

For some other ideas, I encourage you to check out Larry Ferlazzo’s 7-part blog series published on Education Week in 2018.  Click here to see the first post.  

If you are still not convinced of the importance of these relationships, you should definitely check out this short video produced by Edutopia: 

These positive relationships are what I strive for every day.  I’m sure I miss the mark with some of my students. We can’t connect with every person.  But I feel lucky that I have a team of teachers with me that work to make these connections as well.  Between the four of us, I feel like we are pretty successful.  

But back to the point – these relationships are the foundation for risk taking.  When we feel supported and connected, we are more willing to take risks. We lean on each other for support and guidance, and we have the most opportunity for growth.  This is the type of relationship, connection, and community I hope to build every single year. I think I do a pretty good job, but I guess the real proof is in what my students would say.  

I can’t wait to share this blog with them… but AFTER I hand out their holiday cards! I don’t want to give away the surprise.

Do you have any other special things you do to build relationships with your students?  I would love to hear about them. Drop your thoughts in the comments below!