How do you get to know your students at the beginning of the school year? What do you (or could you) do throughout the school year to continue to build that rapport? Why is this important?
I really vibe with this book. I constantly talk to others about rapport, rapport, rapport. I can't stress enough how far this has gotten me in teaching. I get to know my students in the beginning of the year through several ice breakers. One is a simple index card with their name, favorite food, personal goal, school goal and a hobby. I also play a really fun game called " what do you meme". This allows the kids to get a little silly and open up. I use my rapport as a way to manage behaviors and it has really done me well. Most of my students do not act out , simply because they respect me as a person. Building a relationship with your students is EVERYTHING. I am trying to come up with more ideas for icebreakers, by asking the students for ideas!
1. How do you get to know your students at the beginning of the school year? As a music teacher that teaches around 450 students, it can be challenging to get to know everyone quickly. I also teach in a 2-3 school, so half of the students are new each year. One thing I do is try to learn everyone's name as quick as I can. Simply greeting a child by their name does make an impact. We do a couple of name songs and games at the beginning of the year. I also have their names and picture printed out in front of me at all times, so that I can reference it. I jot down notes next to their picture that helps me remember important things about them. I try to take the time to let them talk to me during free moments in class, in the hallways, and during my recess duty so that they feel like I am interested in getting to know them and build that relationship.
2. What do you (or could you) do throughout the school year to continue to build that rapport? Why is this important?
I think it is important to talk to the students and find out their individual interests. For instance, for my sports lovers, I will mention the game that happened the night before, even if I didn't watch it myself. They like to know that I'm interested. I try to go to events here and there to support the students, like games and piano recitals.
1. How do you get to know your students at the beginning of the school year? Teaching such a young age is honestly the best when you are first starting out the school year. I typically do an "All about me" that the child and I fill out together. This gives me a much better idea of who they are. 2. What do you (or could you) do throughout the school year to continue to build that rapport? Why is this important? Throughout the school year, I continue to go back and look at "all about me" pages and bring up their likes and dislikes in conversations. If the child is having a tough day, I can bring something up that they enjoy and get their mind quickly off being sad. I believe that building rapport with your students is very important. Honestly, that is how we make it through the day. Your students need to know that you do care about what they like and dislike. They also like when you simply ask them what they did when they got home. Students will respect you and feel more comfortable around you once you show that you truly care and love them.
How do you get to know your students at the beginning of t I am teaching at the time. Our school is small and since I teach K-5, I do know most of the kids from the year before. But a lot of times I don't know them as well as a homeroom teacher would. I only see them for 30 minutes every 6 days. When working with my gifted students, who I have had in small groups for multiple years, each year I try to find out something that I didn't know the year before. This can be a real challenge by the end of their time with me. When working with my K-2 students in their specialized reading groups, I try to let them share things about themselves in discussions we have in class. I also have morning bus duty and I hold the door as they all come inside to start their day. I like to give them a greeting and possibly comment on their outfit or new haircut, etc. As I begin to learn the new students' name, I try to say their name as often as possible. They like the attention and I get a chance to begin memorizing their name.
Trina Merideth's Response: How do I get to know my students at the beginning of the year? I always start with a seating chart and greet them at the door, look at the chart together, and then walk them to their desk. I have them make "table tents" with the name or appropriate nickname they would like me to call them which I ask that they keep on their desk each day so I can memorize their names. I also do the "name game" in which they create a word that starts with their first name and an action. We sit in a circle and each student must say and "act" the previous students names and actions. For example: I'm "magical Merideth" and my action is "having a magical wand and 'snapping' it". When it is my turn, I say all the names and perform the actions of the previous students, and then mine. *I get to hear names and see actions over and over again.
What do I do throughout the year to build rapport? I adore seeing my students outside the classroom involved in sports, music, dance, theatre, volunteering and clubs. I often attend these activities and/or make sure I mention that I know they were performing or have an "event" coming up. I also check-in daily while greeting them at the door. Also, I have student journal and I leave positive comments. I also acknowledge all birthdays with a note and piece of candy.
Why is this important? This is important because students need to feel like they are an integral part of the classroom. I want them to feel that they are "seen" and "valued" not only in the classroom but as a bigger part of the schoola and community.
How do you get to know your students at the beginning of the school year? What do you (or could you) do throughout the school year to continue to build that rapport? Why is this important?
To get to know my students at the beginning of the school year and through out is focus on 2 minute conversations. I make it a point to have conversations with kids where I ask questions that help me find their interests. I aim at doing this before class or right near the end of class. If I can get 2 conversations a day per hour, I can really start to know who I am teaching. Throughout the year I keep these conversations going and build on them. I also try as often as I can to get too their activities. This gives me credibility as someone that actually cares... not just a teacher. This is important because people learn better from people that think they care about them. They will also learn better from people they care about. I try to build rapport in both directions. I also do care and need to make that as obvious as I can.
1) This is something I need to do a little bit better job of. This is hard in the library because we start the second week of school instead of the first, but it is no less important. In fact, it may be more important because I only have them 1-2x/week and oftentimes that is the end of the day when they really are done with school.
2) One thing I could do to continue to build this report throughout the school year is to meet them at the door and give them a high five or knuckles or something like that. Just that active physical bonding actually makes a huge difference.
3) The reason building rapporte is important with our students is because it helps us to navigate life with them throughout the year. It also helps us to recognize when they are struggling even if they can't verbalize that on their own. It also gives them an appreciation for us because we care about them when they see that. That character also help them want to do well in your class by engaging with your content and your ideas.
I learn their name and how to pronounce it and if they have a preference for a nickname. I also try to find out an interest of theirs and use it in the example sentences that we diagram. Some interests can also be incorporated into the lessons. I also give a welcome gift on the first day. Since I teach homeschool students in our homeschool community, I already know most of them and their families. I build rapport by attending the play dates and mom events during the year. It is important because I am building a relationship with them and their moms outside of the regular class time. Knowing my students helps me to be able to teach them to the best of my ability. It also shows them that I care for them as individuals.
I like to get to know my students at the beginning of the school year by doing some kind of ice breaker and having everyone introduce themselves. One of my favorite ice breakers I've done that also helps with learning names has been having students stand in circle and introduce themselves saying their name and something they like. The person next to them then introduces themselves in the same way but also has to say what all the people before them said as well. Example, I'm Rachel and I like art, this is Amanda and she loves horses, that is Katelyn and she enjoys Minecraft....and so on until we get back to the very first person who repeats what everyone said. This really helps students relax and be playful while being engaged and learning more about their fellow classmates. Of course, the teacher is involved and usually the first to go and thus also the last to wrap it up by repeating everyone's. Therefore this is super helpful with learning student's names and interests. Something I do throughout the year to continue to be build rapport with my students is to chat with them inside and outside the classroom as well as during breaks. I make sure and ask them questions and engage in conversations with them that I think will be engaging and fun. Doing this is very important because it communicates to the students that you care about them. They are important to you as a person, an individual, and not just a student or your "job" to be around them. It shows the students that they are valued beyond their performance in the classroom.
I start off with getting to know students with a questionnaire about their favorite things. We also play several games related to art. This helps me to get a better feel of their personalities. I also frequently talk with students as I am checking in as they work. Throughout the school year I check in about how their activities or things they mention are going. It's important to show that you see them as individuals and care that they are doing well.
The first 3 days of school, since we usually start on a Wednesday, I really try to take time to do "noneducational" things. We will take time to get to know each other by playing board games/card games for much of the first few days. I think this benefits them by doing things that won't stress them out, but they're also getting to know each other and having fun. We also spend some time participating in a Get to Know Me activity so that I can learn more about them. I also complete the activity, so they can learn more about me. In the past, I used to have a slideshow that I would present where I would talk about myself the whole time. I do think this allowed my students to know more about me in a personal way, but they're also so overwhelmed with information the first week, that they don't retain most of the information anyway. Since I no longer do this, my goal is to try and let my students get to know me in a more casual way through natural conversation. I am also able to get to know them better this way too! Next year, I'm going to try implementing the Play-Doh activity mentioned in the book to further get to know my students. I also try my best to attend sporting events and musical performances throughout the year. Doing these things are important, because it shows that you care about your students as people, and not just as students!
When I was a special education teacher, I really enjoyed doing fun "Get to Know Me" activities the first few days of school. I had a short slideshow that had some fun facts about myself as well as incorporating conversation starters for my students and getting to know them. Middle school students, especially my previous 6th graders, go from having multiple recess times in elementary school to no recess. This can be a big shift, so I liked incorporating movement activities to get students out of their seats and even outside at times! I think building rapport on day one is vital so that students start to build trust in me as their teacher, especially in special education. We are there to advocate for our students and want them all to succeed in school and in life. During the school year, I feel that rapport can continue to be built by talking with students inside and outside of the class or between classes. At times, students would stop by to check in or do a handshake before they would head back to class which I cherished! While I was teaching (and I still do if I get the chance) attend school activities and performances. I feel this shows students that I truly care about them as a person as well as a student. I love how excited they get when teachers attend activities or performances students enjoy in their own lives. In conclusion, I found that Dave Burgess' chapters on "Passion, Immersion, & Rapport" were very relatable and I'm excited for when I get back in the classroom to apply some of these teachings!
1. I try to spend a lot of time on the first and second day trying to get to know my students by asking questions and doing activities to learn names, interests, and gauging previous knowledge. I use a question of the day to take attendance to help myself put names and faces together.
2. Throughout the year, I try to do a question of the day (as a bellringer) where I take attendance by calling on each student individually to answer the question. As I get to know students and their interests, I make sure to ask questions about concerts, games, tournaments, and other things that are going on in their lives to get to know them.
3. This is important because it is a small but simple way for students to feel seen and heard. It also allows for each student to hear about their classmates input and how its different from others.
At the beginning of the year I do an About Me activity and then I keep and look over the findings throughout the semester. I am always looking for Connection Points. Two groups I pay special attention to: the kids that seem to have trouble getting or staying engaged, and kids that do "everything right" and are quiet. I feel pulled to engage extra with these groups so always look for ways to encourage or carry a conversation where I show an interest in them. I have also done Ice Breaker type games and creativity contests which are low-risk opportunites for students to express themselves. As I teach art, the class periods lend themselves to frequent studente and teacher interactions. I've also written emails and even notes home if I see a student has been absent frequently or for a long period of time. The focus of my emails/notes is on the student, not the "work they are missing".
At the beginning of the school year, I’d get to know students by using a quick survey that has some basic about me questions such as favorite activities, hobbies, goals, and interests. Being I teach at a small school I know most of students from years past, or coaching them in various sports. However, regardless of that it helps to get a refresh and to learn more about every student as they evolve.
Again being its a small school its easier to stay involved in all the activities and things they're doing throughout the year. Being its a small community you can attend many things like concerts, project fairs, as well as sporting events to help stay engaged in all of the students lives and activities.
This is important because when students feel like their teacher actually knows and cares about them, they’re usually more comfortable, more engaged, and more willing to participate in class. It also helps create a better classroom environment overall. The old saying I try to remember is that students wont remember every single thing from my classroom but they will remember how I made them feel.
Many times preschool is our students’ first experience being somewhere else besides their home. It may be the first time being away from their parents or grandparents. We take extra measures to make sure the students feel comfortable and safe with us before we start school. My para and I do home visits to each of the families to meet them in their comfortable environment. We play with the child, do an activity with them, and visit with their families to get to know them. Then we invite the families to the classroom to visit, check things out, play with our toys, and feel comfortable. When the first day of school comes, they might still feel a little sad or scared, but we’ve already built a relationship where they trust me to take care of them until their grownups return. We also do All About Me activities where we get to learn about all of their favorite things. As I reference those things, I can tell it makes them feel special if I remember their favorite color, food or animal. The students never forget the time I visited them at their house. Throughout the school year I give opportunities for us to learn more about each student. They get to share pictures of their families or pets. We also eat lunch with our students and that gives us opportunities for good conversations to get to know each child and build rapport. It makes them feel good when I take special interest in what they are doing such as wrestling, dance lessons, or the puppy they have at home.
At the beginning of the school year, I get to know my students by sending home a sheet for families to fill out with information about their child’s interests and a photo of their family. I collect these sheets and organize them in a binder so I can reference them and learn about each student.
I also spend time playing with students to learn their preferences and interests, and I make an effort to use their names consistently. I create games, like memory using peers’ pictures, to help students learn each other’s names and build connections.
This is important because it helps students feel like they belong and are seen as individuals, which supports both their social-emotional growth and their engagement in learning.
1) As a Title I teacher in a small rural school, my beginning of the school year students, unless they are new to the district, are students that I had the previous year, so our beginning activities are more centered around opportunities to "catch up" with what has been happening over the summer months. We do team building and cooperative type activities that allow for conversations, have special theme treat days where we can visit while snacking, and share books that we can make connections with that will elicit sharing of personal stories. Due to the fluidity of the Title program, students transition from the program and new students join us throughout the year. When new students do join us, I again try to choose activities that are more cooperative in nature to ease the transition. It does help immensely, that these students and I are familiar with each other, and we often have an immediate connection in that I have taught their parents or other family members. 2) Having that continuity with my students and being able to work with them in such small, cohesive groups so beneficial to building and maintaining rapport. Within the small group setting, students have the opportunity to more easily share their thoughts in discussions, to feel more comfortable with asking questions and taking risks, and to develop confidence in their abilities as learners. One thing that I feel especially helps to build and maintain rapport throughout the year is that each Monday, my 1st-5th graders write a short personal update entry in their Journal. It gives me insight into what is important to them and to what is happening in their lives. It is my hope that it will be a keepsake for them of their elementary journey. It is such fun to listen to them as they look back through their entries, share what they wrote in earlier years and laugh with each other over what they wrote and "how" they wrote it. 3) Rapport with your students is essential to personal growth and learning. It fosters a climate of trust and safety where all feel welcome and valued for their personal identities, not just for what they can or cannot accomplish or produce. It frees them to make mistakes, learn from them, and develop resiliency and confidence. It gives them permission and the confidence to laugh at themselves, to not take themselves too seriously, and to show themselves the grace they extend to others. It can open the door to new interests and talents they did not know they possessed.
The beginning of the school year with my second graders was always a lot of fun. I would put a pack of Goldfish Crackers on their desks with a fun phrase about swimming into second grade. Then we would take a beach ball and toss it around the room to each other. The kiddo who caught it had to tell us a little about themselves. We did this until everyone, including myself and any aide in my classroom, had gone. We would also take a “field trip” around the school to find all the necessary places for them to need to know about. This usually included a game of follow the leader. I also came up with a classroom scavenger hunt for them in which they had to locate different things around the classroom. The first kiddo to finish would get a prize. The first week of school also would include several get to know you games as well as art projects in which they could depict themselves and what they did over the summer. I would meet with them one on one throughout the year to continue checking in and making sure that connection was strong.
As a 6-12 principal I get to know my student’s way before I get them in class. I am also an assistant football coach and head basketball coach, so before students get into my classes (11th Govt. and 12th Econ) I have a pretty good idea of who they are. I would probably say it takes some time for the students to adjust to my approach as a teacher (not as a coach or principal) as it does for me to see them as more than just a athlete or another student in the hallways. I agree 100% with Dave, it is all about the rapport that you have with students that make the biggest difference. Students know if you are just blowing smoke or if you genuinely care about them and the better rapport you have with them, the more they will trust you and know that you have their best interest in mind. Rapport will lead to respect and respect will lead to better teacher / principal relationships and make behavior management so much easier.
How do you get to know your students at the beginning of the school year?
At the beginning of the school year I spend time getting to know my students with various ice breakers. One of my first ice breakers is a "about me" note card that students fill out. The note care asks them questions about their likes, concerns, things they want me to know, etc. It provides me an opportunity for me to get to know the students on a personal level. I feel that knowing my students is so important that I continue community building activities throughout the year too. For example, on Fridays, we spend a few minute sharing a what is going well and a challenge they are dealing with. I borrowed this activity from a college that called it "Roses and Thorns" Each student was invited to share a one of their successes (roses) and a challenge (thorn). I have found taking time to get to know my students at the beginning of the year and throughout the year as helped me get to know my students and to develop a community in my classroom where students feel welcome and safe.
What do you (or could you) do throughout the school year to continue to build that rapport? Besides our Friday share day, I take time to have conversations with my students and take an interest in the things that matter to them, such as attending their activities. These additional rapport building activities help maintain and develop the connection that I have with students.
Why is this important? This is important because students need to know that their students care about them. When students know their teachers care about them, it is more likely that the student will care about the instruction and outside work associated with the content the teacher is delivering. In short, the students will be more motivated to learn. Also, students feel that their teacher know them and are about them, students are more likely to feel safe in the classroom, which is associated with better learning and behavior. And finally, when teachers know their students they are able to teach better, as they are more likely to know what they need - their strength, weakness, personal struggles that are impacting their learning, etc.
Blog Post #1 How do you get to know your students at the beginning of the school year? What do you (or could you) do throughout the school year to continue to build that rapport? Why is this important? I introduce myself to the students by sending each student a "Welcome to 3rd Grade" letter. In the letter, I have the students answer 10 questions about me. I, in turn, ask the students to bring up to 10 items to school on the first day that will help me get to know them. Students will bring photos, books, stuffed animals, Legos, and much more. This is a fun activity for both the teacher and the students to learn about one another. As the year progresses, I am intentional about conversing with my students. Each morning, before lessons begin, students are allowed to share with the class. I might learn that a student lost a tooth over the weekend, or their mama cat had kittens. This year, we learned about the adventurous Midnight, the pet rabbit. Building rapport with my students is very important. When the students know they are important to me, they are much more likely to be engaged in classroom discussions. They know that their thoughts are important. Each student is important, and building a rapport with each of them makes them realize their importance.
Our school has 2 modified scheduled days which allows us more time to be with our homeroom group of students. We do a lot of icebreakers and getting to know you activities to help the students feel more comfortable being in the new building. (I teach in 7-8 school building).
Our team of teachers will do various get to know you activities in class and then when we have team meeting, we share with each other so we have that information to help us further get to know our students. I personally just make sure I ask a lot of questions and listen intently to the students. Standing in the hallway during passing time is so valuable to reach the students on a personable level. It is fun to see their personalities. Students have also expressed and get tired of all the "get to know me" forms so I provide a very shortened version with a google form and they have to just check the boxes of interest. That gives me a starting point.
Throughout the year, I continue to make an effort to find something out about each one of my 140 students. I attend a lot of after school functions (music, play, sports, gaming) to make sure I support the students outside the classroom. I will also make positive phone calls home and include something that I learned about their child.
I don't have a classroom and take students individually for testing. I like to visit with each student about life and school by asking questions and giving each of them my full attention before we begin testing and sometimes following the testing (if they are not excited to get back to class :). I think this is important as I want he/she to be at ease as he/she is being put on the spot during the next hour and a half in a small room with just me. Throughout the year, I try to wave and say hi when I am in their building. Everyone likes to be recognized and special.
At the beginning of the school year, I create a list of “Get To Know You” questions that I send home on the first day of school. I keep these questions and use them as talking points throughout the year when I get to work with students individually.
After reading the first part of Teach Like a Pirate, I’m inspired to include more interactive questions to my beginning of the year “Get To Know You” questionnaires. When I get them back, I will make an extra copy of each sheet and cut the questions up-putting students’ names on the back of each piece. These question/response pieces will get folded up and placed into a fish bowl and every week I will pick one or two out so students can guess who it is. The student who guesses correctly gets to introduce the student and then share one thing they like most about them. Students who get picked are then invited to elaborate on the response they wrote. One thing Dave Burgess pointed out in the first chapters is to get students used to presenting right away.
Developing rapport with your students is so important and this needs to happen right away starting with the first day of school. Students need to feel connected to the ones around them and EVERYONE needs to feel included and valued. When teachers create an environment where students feel loved, respected, and safe, they can grow through the roof.
I appreciate too how the start of the book rolls out how to get to know your students better and quicker. I was floored when the kids passed back papers and they did not know even their school mates.
I am the superintendent for Scotland School District. I alternate daily the entrance that i tell my students good morning. Whether it is the elementary doors or the MS/HS doors, I greet the students with a good morning. There are only 2 administrators for our district, so I have the opportunity to witness many of the students in their activities. It gives me the opportunity to visit with them about things that they are involved with. I let the students know that my door is always open and that they are safe while they are here in the building. Last fall I went into each classroom and visited with the students letting them all know what my expectations are of them, and what they can expect out of me.
I also coach MS BBB which gives me another opportunity to visit with some of our students in an altogether different light.
How do you get to know your students at the beginning of the school year? What do you (or could you) do throughout the school year to continue to build that rapport? Why is this important?
The summer before they come to my class, I send every student a postcard from AZ while I'm visiting family and let them know I'm excited to see them soon in our classroom. At open house I give parents a low risk form to fill out some good things to know about their child as people and as learners.
When school starts we begin our day with a variety of questions (likes, dislikes, would you rather, etc.) that students can answer individually in our circle, with a partner, or sometimes the question will have multiple choices for answers and they move to the corner of the room with that answer posted. Students are encouraged to listen effectively to their peers and are often asked to share out what their partner or peers shared. I learn quickly who loves which team, some things they did over the summer, what they might want to be when they grow up, etc.
I also have used the 2x10 strategy with kids who open up more slowly. An intentional 2 minute conversation with that child for 10 days in a row has been quite successful for me.
Throughout the year I have opportunities for students to have lunch with a friend and me in the classroom, and I'm also outside for recess duty every couple of weeks which is an awesome way to connect with students. I ask about their out of school activities and try to get to sporting events or concerts/recitals as much as possible.
Rapport is critical to so many situations within the school day. When I have good rapport with a student, they feel safe to take some risks with me. They are more likely to ask questions when they are struggling. A deeper relationship is fostered by good rapport. When there's a struggle, I feel more confident that a resolution can be found if I have good rapport with that child.
I teach junior kindergarten; my students are 5-6 years old. At the beginning of the school year, I have the students bring a brown paper bag with objects that tell about them. Maybe a blue crayon tells me that blue is your favorite color, or a toy car because you love to play cars. Beyond that I take the time to ask the students questions to get to know them better. Throughout the school year, I have morning circle. During this time, we are all getting to know each other. I have a question of the day, and this helps me get to know my class. I feel asking questions and getting to know my students is very important because it helps me build trust and positive relationships.
I really vibe with this book. I constantly talk to others about rapport, rapport, rapport. I can't stress enough how far this has gotten me in teaching. I get to know my students in the beginning of the year through several ice breakers. One is a simple index card with their name, favorite food, personal goal, school goal and a hobby. I also play a really fun game called " what do you meme". This allows the kids to get a little silly and open up. I use my rapport as a way to manage behaviors and it has really done me well. Most of my students do not act out , simply because they respect me as a person. Building a relationship with your students is EVERYTHING. I am trying to come up with more ideas for icebreakers, by asking the students for ideas!
ReplyDelete1. How do you get to know your students at the beginning of the school year?
ReplyDeleteAs a music teacher that teaches around 450 students, it can be challenging to get to know everyone quickly. I also teach in a 2-3 school, so half of the students are new each year. One thing I do is try to learn everyone's name as quick as I can. Simply greeting a child by their name does make an impact. We do a couple of name songs and games at the beginning of the year. I also have their names and picture printed out in front of me at all times, so that I can reference it. I jot down notes next to their picture that helps me remember important things about them. I try to take the time to let them talk to me during free moments in class, in the hallways, and during my recess duty so that they feel like I am interested in getting to know them and build that relationship.
2. What do you (or could you) do throughout the school year to continue to build that rapport? Why is this important?
I think it is important to talk to the students and find out their individual interests. For instance, for my sports lovers, I will mention the game that happened the night before, even if I didn't watch it myself. They like to know that I'm interested. I try to go to events here and there to support the students, like games and piano recitals.
1. How do you get to know your students at the beginning of the school year?
ReplyDeleteTeaching such a young age is honestly the best when you are first starting out the school year. I typically do an "All about me" that the child and I fill out together. This gives me a much better idea of who they are.
2. What do you (or could you) do throughout the school year to continue to build that rapport? Why is this important?
Throughout the school year, I continue to go back and look at "all about me" pages and bring up their likes and dislikes in conversations. If the child is having a tough day, I can bring something up that they enjoy and get their mind quickly off being sad. I believe that building rapport with your students is very important. Honestly, that is how we make it through the day. Your students need to know that you do care about what they like and dislike. They also like when you simply ask them what they did when they got home. Students will respect you and feel more comfortable around you once you show that you truly care and love them.
How do you get to know your students at the beginning of t I am teaching at the time. Our school is small and since I teach K-5, I do know most of the kids from the year before. But a lot of times I don't know them as well as a homeroom teacher would. I only see them for 30 minutes every 6 days.
ReplyDeleteWhen working with my gifted students, who I have had in small groups for multiple years, each year I try to find out something that I didn't know the year before. This can be a real challenge by the end of their time with me.
When working with my K-2 students in their specialized reading groups, I try to let them share things about themselves in discussions we have in class. I also have morning bus duty and I hold the door as they all come inside to start their day. I like to give them a greeting and possibly comment on their outfit or new haircut, etc. As I begin to learn the new students' name, I try to say their name as often as possible. They like the attention and I get a chance to begin memorizing their name.
Trina Merideth's Response:
ReplyDeleteHow do I get to know my students at the beginning of the year?
I always start with a seating chart and greet them at the door, look at the chart together, and then walk them to their desk. I have them make "table tents" with the name or appropriate nickname they would like me to call them which I ask that they keep on their desk each day so I can memorize their names. I also do the "name game" in which they create a word that starts with their first name and an action. We sit in a circle and each student must say and "act" the previous students names and actions. For example: I'm "magical Merideth" and my action is "having a magical wand and 'snapping' it". When it is my turn, I say all the names and perform the actions of the previous students, and then mine. *I get to hear names and see actions over and over again.
What do I do throughout the year to build rapport?
I adore seeing my students outside the classroom involved in sports, music, dance, theatre, volunteering and clubs. I often attend these activities and/or make sure I mention that I know they were performing or have an "event" coming up. I also check-in daily while greeting them at the door. Also, I have student journal and I leave positive comments. I also acknowledge all birthdays with a note and piece of candy.
Why is this important?
This is important because students need to feel like they are an integral part of the classroom. I want them to feel that they are "seen" and "valued" not only in the classroom but as a bigger part of the schoola and community.
How do you get to know your students at the beginning of the school year? What do you (or could you) do throughout the school year to continue to build that rapport? Why is this important?
ReplyDeleteTo get to know my students at the beginning of the school year and through out is focus on 2 minute conversations. I make it a point to have conversations with kids where I ask questions that help me find their interests. I aim at doing this before class or right near the end of class. If I can get 2 conversations a day per hour, I can really start to know who I am teaching. Throughout the year I keep these conversations going and build on them. I also try as often as I can to get too their activities. This gives me credibility as someone that actually cares... not just a teacher. This is important because people learn better from people that think they care about them. They will also learn better from people they care about. I try to build rapport in both directions. I also do care and need to make that as obvious as I can.
1) This is something I need to do a little bit better job of. This is hard in the library because we start the second week of school instead of the first, but it is no less important. In fact, it may be more important because I only have them 1-2x/week and oftentimes that is the end of the day when they really are done with school.
ReplyDelete2) One thing I could do to continue to build this report throughout the school year is to meet them at the door and give them a high five or knuckles or something like that. Just that active physical bonding actually makes a huge difference.
3) The reason building rapporte is important with our students is because it helps us to navigate life with them throughout the year. It also helps us to recognize when they are struggling even if they can't verbalize that on their own. It also gives them an appreciation for us because we care about them when they see that. That character also help them want to do well in your class by engaging with your content and your ideas.
I learn their name and how to pronounce it and if they have a preference for a nickname. I also try to find out an interest of theirs and use it in the example sentences that we diagram. Some interests can also be incorporated into the lessons. I also give a welcome gift on the first day. Since I teach homeschool students in our homeschool community, I already know most of them and their families. I build rapport by attending the play dates and mom events during the year. It is important because I am building a relationship with them and their moms outside of the regular class time. Knowing my students helps me to be able to teach them to the best of my ability. It also shows them that I care for them as individuals.
ReplyDeleteI like to get to know my students at the beginning of the school year by doing some kind of ice breaker and having everyone introduce themselves. One of my favorite ice breakers I've done that also helps with learning names has been having students stand in circle and introduce themselves saying their name and something they like. The person next to them then introduces themselves in the same way but also has to say what all the people before them said as well. Example, I'm Rachel and I like art, this is Amanda and she loves horses, that is Katelyn and she enjoys Minecraft....and so on until we get back to the very first person who repeats what everyone said. This really helps students relax and be playful while being engaged and learning more about their fellow classmates. Of course, the teacher is involved and usually the first to go and thus also the last to wrap it up by repeating everyone's. Therefore this is super helpful with learning student's names and interests.
ReplyDeleteSomething I do throughout the year to continue to be build rapport with my students is to chat with them inside and outside the classroom as well as during breaks. I make sure and ask them questions and engage in conversations with them that I think will be engaging and fun.
Doing this is very important because it communicates to the students that you care about them. They are important to you as a person, an individual, and not just a student or your "job" to be around them. It shows the students that they are valued beyond their performance in the classroom.
I start off with getting to know students with a questionnaire about their favorite things. We also play several games related to art. This helps me to get a better feel of their personalities. I also frequently talk with students as I am checking in as they work. Throughout the school year I check in about how their activities or things they mention are going. It's important to show that you see them as individuals and care that they are doing well.
ReplyDeleteThe first 3 days of school, since we usually start on a Wednesday, I really try to take time to do "noneducational" things. We will take time to get to know each other by playing board games/card games for much of the first few days. I think this benefits them by doing things that won't stress them out, but they're also getting to know each other and having fun. We also spend some time participating in a Get to Know Me activity so that I can learn more about them. I also complete the activity, so they can learn more about me. In the past, I used to have a slideshow that I would present where I would talk about myself the whole time. I do think this allowed my students to know more about me in a personal way, but they're also so overwhelmed with information the first week, that they don't retain most of the information anyway. Since I no longer do this, my goal is to try and let my students get to know me in a more casual way through natural conversation. I am also able to get to know them better this way too! Next year, I'm going to try implementing the Play-Doh activity mentioned in the book to further get to know my students. I also try my best to attend sporting events and musical performances throughout the year. Doing these things are important, because it shows that you care about your students as people, and not just as students!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a special education teacher, I really enjoyed doing fun "Get to Know Me" activities the first few days of school. I had a short slideshow that had some fun facts about myself as well as incorporating conversation starters for my students and getting to know them. Middle school students, especially my previous 6th graders, go from having multiple recess times in elementary school to no recess. This can be a big shift, so I liked incorporating movement activities to get students out of their seats and even outside at times! I think building rapport on day one is vital so that students start to build trust in me as their teacher, especially in special education. We are there to advocate for our students and want them all to succeed in school and in life. During the school year, I feel that rapport can continue to be built by talking with students inside and outside of the class or between classes. At times, students would stop by to check in or do a handshake before they would head back to class which I cherished! While I was teaching (and I still do if I get the chance) attend school activities and performances. I feel this shows students that I truly care about them as a person as well as a student. I love how excited they get when teachers attend activities or performances students enjoy in their own lives. In conclusion, I found that Dave Burgess' chapters on "Passion, Immersion, & Rapport" were very relatable and I'm excited for when I get back in the classroom to apply some of these teachings!
ReplyDelete1. I try to spend a lot of time on the first and second day trying to get to know my students by asking questions and doing activities to learn names, interests, and gauging previous knowledge. I use a question of the day to take attendance to help myself put names and faces together.
ReplyDelete2. Throughout the year, I try to do a question of the day (as a bellringer) where I take attendance by calling on each student individually to answer the question. As I get to know students and their interests, I make sure to ask questions about concerts, games, tournaments, and other things that are going on in their lives to get to know them.
3. This is important because it is a small but simple way for students to feel seen and heard. It also allows for each student to hear about their classmates input and how its different from others.
At the beginning of the year I do an About Me activity and then I keep and look over the findings throughout the semester. I am always looking for Connection Points. Two groups I pay special attention to: the kids that seem to have trouble getting or staying engaged, and kids that do "everything right" and are quiet. I feel pulled to engage extra with these groups so always look for ways to encourage or carry a conversation where I show an interest in them. I have also done Ice Breaker type games and creativity contests which are low-risk opportunites for students to express themselves. As I teach art, the class periods lend themselves to frequent studente and teacher interactions. I've also written emails and even notes home if I see a student has been absent frequently or for a long period of time. The focus of my emails/notes is on the student, not the "work they are missing".
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning of the school year, I’d get to know students by using a quick survey that has some basic about me questions such as favorite activities, hobbies, goals, and interests. Being I teach at a small school I know most of students from years past, or coaching them in various sports. However, regardless of that it helps to get a refresh and to learn more about every student as they evolve.
ReplyDeleteAgain being its a small school its easier to stay involved in all the activities and things they're doing throughout the year. Being its a small community you can attend many things like concerts, project fairs, as well as sporting events to help stay engaged in all of the students lives and activities.
This is important because when students feel like their teacher actually knows and cares about them, they’re usually more comfortable, more engaged, and more willing to participate in class. It also helps create a better classroom environment overall. The old saying I try to remember is that students wont remember every single thing from my classroom but they will remember how I made them feel.
Many times preschool is our students’ first experience being somewhere else besides their home. It may be the first time being away from their parents or grandparents. We take extra measures to make sure the students feel comfortable and safe with us before we start school. My para and I do home visits to each of the families to meet them in their comfortable environment. We play with the child, do an activity with them, and visit with their families to get to know them. Then we invite the families to the classroom to visit, check things out, play with our toys, and feel comfortable. When the first day of school comes, they might still feel a little sad or scared, but we’ve already built a relationship where they trust me to take care of them until their grownups return. We also do All About Me activities where we get to learn about all of their favorite things. As I reference those things, I can tell it makes them feel special if I remember their favorite color, food or animal. The students never forget the time I visited them at their house.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the school year I give opportunities for us to learn more about each student. They get to share pictures of their families or pets. We also eat lunch with our students and that gives us opportunities for good conversations to get to know each child and build rapport. It makes them feel good when I take special interest in what they are doing such as wrestling, dance lessons, or the puppy they have at home.
At the beginning of the school year, I get to know my students by sending home a sheet for families to fill out with information about their child’s interests and a photo of their family. I collect these sheets and organize them in a binder so I can reference them and learn about each student.
ReplyDeleteI also spend time playing with students to learn their preferences and interests, and I make an effort to use their names consistently. I create games, like memory using peers’ pictures, to help students learn each other’s names and build connections.
This is important because it helps students feel like they belong and are seen as individuals, which supports both their social-emotional growth and their engagement in learning.
1) As a Title I teacher in a small rural school, my beginning of the school year students, unless they are new to the district, are students that I had the previous year, so our beginning activities are more centered around opportunities to "catch up" with what has been happening over the summer months. We do team building and cooperative type activities that allow for conversations, have special theme treat days where we can visit while snacking, and share books that we can make connections with that will elicit sharing of personal stories. Due to the fluidity of the Title program, students transition from the program and new students join us throughout the year. When new students do join us, I again try to choose activities that are more cooperative in nature to ease the transition. It does help immensely, that these students and I are familiar with each other, and we often have an immediate connection in that I have taught their parents or other family members.
ReplyDelete2) Having that continuity with my students and being able to work with them in such small, cohesive groups so beneficial to building and maintaining rapport. Within the small group setting, students have the opportunity to more easily share their thoughts in discussions, to feel more comfortable with asking questions and taking risks, and to develop confidence in their abilities as learners. One thing that I feel especially helps to build and maintain rapport throughout the year is that each Monday, my 1st-5th graders write a short personal update entry in their Journal. It gives me insight into what is important to them and to what is happening in their lives. It is my hope that it will be a keepsake for them of their elementary journey. It is such fun to listen to them as they look back through their entries, share what they wrote in earlier years and laugh with each other over what they wrote and "how" they wrote it.
3) Rapport with your students is essential to personal growth and learning. It fosters a climate of trust and safety where all feel welcome and valued for their personal identities, not just for what they can or cannot accomplish or produce. It frees them to make mistakes, learn from them, and develop resiliency and confidence. It gives them permission and the confidence to laugh at themselves, to not take themselves too seriously, and to show themselves the grace they extend to others. It can open the door to new interests and talents they did not know they possessed.
The beginning of the school year with my second graders was always a lot of fun. I would put a pack of Goldfish Crackers on their desks with a fun phrase about swimming into second grade. Then we would take a beach ball and toss it around the room to each other. The kiddo who caught it had to tell us a little about themselves. We did this until everyone, including myself and any aide in my classroom, had gone. We would also take a “field trip” around the school to find all the necessary places for them to need to know about. This usually included a game of follow the leader. I also came up with a classroom scavenger hunt for them in which they had to locate different things around the classroom. The first kiddo to finish would get a prize. The first week of school also would include several get to know you games as well as art projects in which they could depict themselves and what they did over the summer. I would meet with them one on one throughout the year to continue checking in and making sure that connection was strong.
ReplyDeleteAs a 6-12 principal I get to know my student’s way before I get them in class. I am also an assistant football coach and head basketball coach, so before students get into my classes (11th Govt. and 12th Econ) I have a pretty good idea of who they are. I would probably say it takes some time for the students to adjust to my approach as a teacher (not as a coach or principal) as it does for me to see them as more than just a athlete or another student in the hallways. I agree 100% with Dave, it is all about the rapport that you have with students that make the biggest difference. Students know if you are just blowing smoke or if you genuinely care about them and the better rapport you have with them, the more they will trust you and know that you have their best interest in mind. Rapport will lead to respect and respect will lead to better teacher / principal relationships and make behavior management so much easier.
ReplyDeleteHow do you get to know your students at the beginning of the school year?
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning of the school year I spend time getting to know my students with various ice breakers. One of my first ice breakers is a "about me" note card that students fill out. The note care asks them questions about their likes, concerns, things they want me to know, etc. It provides me an opportunity for me to get to know the students on a personal level. I feel that knowing my students is so important that I continue community building activities throughout the year too. For example, on Fridays, we spend a few minute sharing a what is going well and a challenge they are dealing with. I borrowed this activity from a college that called it "Roses and Thorns" Each student was invited to share a one of their successes (roses) and a challenge (thorn). I have found taking time to get to know my students at the beginning of the year and throughout the year as helped me get to know my students and to develop a community in my classroom where students feel welcome and safe.
What do you (or could you) do throughout the school year to continue to build that rapport?
Besides our Friday share day, I take time to have conversations with my students and take an interest in the things that matter to them, such as attending their activities. These additional rapport building activities help maintain and develop the connection that I have with students.
Why is this important?
This is important because students need to know that their students care about them. When students know their teachers care about them, it is more likely that the student will care about the instruction and outside work associated with the content the teacher is delivering. In short, the students will be more motivated to learn. Also, students feel that their teacher know them and are about them, students are more likely to feel safe in the classroom, which is associated with better learning and behavior. And finally, when teachers know their students they are able to teach better, as they are more likely to know what they need - their strength, weakness, personal struggles that are impacting their learning, etc.
Blog Post #1
ReplyDeleteHow do you get to know your students at the beginning of the school year? What do you (or could you) do throughout the school year to continue to build that rapport? Why is this important?
I introduce myself to the students by sending each student a "Welcome to 3rd Grade" letter. In the letter, I have the students answer 10 questions about me. I, in turn, ask the students to bring up to 10 items to school on the first day that will help me get to know them. Students will bring photos, books, stuffed animals, Legos, and much more. This is a fun activity for both the teacher and the students to learn about one another.
As the year progresses, I am intentional about conversing with my students. Each morning, before lessons begin, students are allowed to share with the class. I might learn that a student lost a tooth over the weekend, or their mama cat had kittens. This year, we learned about the adventurous Midnight, the pet rabbit.
Building rapport with my students is very important. When the students know they are important to me, they are much more likely to be engaged in classroom discussions. They know that their thoughts are important. Each student is important, and building a rapport with each of them makes them realize their importance.
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ReplyDeleteOur school has 2 modified scheduled days which allows us more time to be with our homeroom group of students. We do a lot of icebreakers and getting to know you activities to help the students feel more comfortable being in the new building. (I teach in 7-8 school building).
ReplyDeleteOur team of teachers will do various get to know you activities in class and then when we have team meeting, we share with each other so we have that information to help us further get to know our students. I personally just make sure I ask a lot of questions and listen intently to the students. Standing in the hallway during passing time is so valuable to reach the students on a personable level. It is fun to see their personalities. Students have also expressed and get tired of all the "get to know me" forms so I provide a very shortened version with a google form and they have to just check the boxes of interest. That gives me a starting point.
Throughout the year, I continue to make an effort to find something out about each one of my 140 students. I attend a lot of after school functions (music, play, sports, gaming) to make sure I support the students outside the classroom. I will also make positive phone calls home and include something that I learned about their child.
I don't have a classroom and take students individually for testing. I like to visit with each student about life and school by asking questions and giving each of them my full attention before we begin testing and sometimes following the testing (if they are not excited to get back to class :). I think this is important as I want he/she to be at ease as he/she is being put on the spot during the next hour and a half in a small room with just me. Throughout the year, I try to wave and say hi when I am in their building. Everyone likes to be recognized and special.
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning of the school year, I create a list of “Get To Know You” questions that I send home on the first day of school. I keep these questions and use them as talking points throughout the year when I get to work with students individually.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the first part of Teach Like a Pirate, I’m inspired to include more interactive questions to my beginning of the year “Get To Know You” questionnaires. When I get them back, I will make an extra copy of each sheet and cut the questions up-putting students’ names on the back of each piece. These question/response pieces will get folded up and placed into a fish bowl and every week I will pick one or two out so students can guess who it is. The student who guesses correctly gets to introduce the student and then share one thing they like most about them. Students who get picked are then invited to elaborate on the response they wrote. One thing Dave Burgess pointed out in the first chapters is to get students used to presenting right away.
Developing rapport with your students is so important and this needs to happen right away starting with the first day of school. Students need to feel connected to the ones around them and EVERYONE needs to feel included and valued. When teachers create an environment where students feel loved, respected, and safe, they can grow through the roof.
I appreciate too how the start of the book rolls out how to get to know your students better and quicker. I was floored when the kids passed back papers and they did not know even their school mates.
DeleteThis is the third time trying to publish this.
ReplyDeleteI am the superintendent for Scotland School District. I alternate daily the entrance that i tell my students good morning. Whether it is the elementary doors or the MS/HS doors, I greet the students with a good morning. There are only 2 administrators for our district, so I have the opportunity to witness many of the students in their activities. It gives me the opportunity to visit with them about things that they are involved with. I let the students know that my door is always open and that they are safe while they are here in the building. Last fall I went into each classroom and visited with the students letting them all know what my expectations are of them, and what they can expect out of me.
I also coach MS BBB which gives me another opportunity to visit with some of our students in an altogether different light.
How do you get to know your students at the beginning of the school year? What do you (or could you) do throughout the school year to continue to build that rapport? Why is this important?
ReplyDeleteThe summer before they come to my class, I send every student a postcard from AZ while I'm visiting family and let them know I'm excited to see them soon in our classroom. At open house I give parents a low risk form to fill out some good things to know about their child as people and as learners.
When school starts we begin our day with a variety of questions (likes, dislikes, would you rather, etc.) that students can answer individually in our circle, with a partner, or sometimes the question will have multiple choices for answers and they move to the corner of the room with that answer posted. Students are encouraged to listen effectively to their peers and are often asked to share out what their partner or peers shared. I learn quickly who loves which team, some things they did over the summer, what they might want to be when they grow up, etc.
I also have used the 2x10 strategy with kids who open up more slowly. An intentional 2 minute conversation with that child for 10 days in a row has been quite successful for me.
Throughout the year I have opportunities for students to have lunch with a friend and me in the classroom, and I'm also outside for recess duty every couple of weeks which is an awesome way to connect with students. I ask about their out of school activities and try to get to sporting events or concerts/recitals as much as possible.
Rapport is critical to so many situations within the school day. When I have good rapport with a student, they feel safe to take some risks with me. They are more likely to ask questions when they are struggling. A deeper relationship is fostered by good rapport. When there's a struggle, I feel more confident that a resolution can be found if I have good rapport with that child.
I teach junior kindergarten; my students are 5-6 years old. At the beginning of the school year, I have the students bring a brown paper bag with objects that tell about them. Maybe a blue crayon tells me that blue is your favorite color, or a toy car because you love to play cars. Beyond that I take the time to ask the students questions to get to know them better. Throughout the school year, I have morning circle. During this time, we are all getting to know each other. I have a question of the day, and this helps me get to know my class. I feel asking questions and getting to know my students is very important because it helps me build trust and positive relationships.
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