5 Proven Ways to Build Strong Student Relationships in Your First 30 Days

“Building Better Behavior” Series #2

By Tracy Harrison

The first 30 days of school set the tone for the entire year. While lesson planning and classroom setup are crucial, building strong student relationships might be your most powerful tool for classroom success. Research consistently shows that when students feel connected to their teachers, behavioral issues decrease and engagement soars.

1. Implement the Power of 2x10

The "2x10 Strategy" is a game-changer in student relationship building. This simple yet powerful approach requires:

• Two minutes of personal conversation

• Ten consecutive days

• Topics unrelated to academics

• Focused attention on each student

  
  

Research shows this strategy can transform challenging relationships in less than two weeks, often showing improvement in just five days.

2. Create Meaningful Connections

Just as you would naturally build relationships with new colleagues or acquaintances, student connections require intentional effort:

• Ask genuine questions about their interests

• Listen actively to their responses

• Remember personal details they share

• Reference these details in future conversations

3. Prioritize High-Impact Students

While building relationships with all students matters, strategic relationship building should focus on:

• Students who may need extra support

• Those with a history of challenging behavior

• Quiet students who might otherwise be overlooked

• New students joining your classroom

4. Document Your Connections

Keep track of your relationship-building efforts systematically:

• Note important details about each student

• Record conversation topics for future reference

• Track progress in relationship development

• Document successful connection strategies

  
  

  

  
  

5. Navigate Challenging Conversations

Sometimes building relationships isn't easy. Success strategies include:

• Following the student's lead on topics

• Starting with their interests (sports, games, pets)

• Being patient with reluctant students

• Maintaining consistency in your approach

  
  

Making It Work in Your Classroom

Remember these key points for successful relationship building:

• Every interaction matters, whether you see students for an hour or all day

• Consistent effort yields stronger connections

• Small conversations can have big impacts

• Documentation helps maintain meaningful connections

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Coming next month in our Building Better Behavior series:

"The 5:1 Ratio: 8 Practical Ways to Transform Your Classroom Management" - Learn how positive interactions can revolutionize your classroom environment!