Investing Time in Student Relationships is Time Well Spent
“Connection is the key to all positive relationships. If we want to teach and guide our children, we need to start by building a strong connection with them. ”
— Dr. Jane Nelsen
If you’ve been following along with our discussions on the power of morning greetings and quick check-ins, you’re already on the path to creating a warm and connected classroom environment.
But now, let’s take it a step further.
The question many teachers often ask is, “How do I find the time for all of this?”
The truth is, the time you spend building relationships and connections with your students isn’t just time spent—it’s an investment.
And like any good investment, it pays off in ways you might not even expect.
I get it. As teachers, our schedules are packed.
There’s curriculum to cover, tests to prepare for, and a hundred other things on our plates. It’s easy to feel like there’s just not enough time in the day to focus on anything beyond the essentials.
But here’s the shift I want to encourage you to make: don’t think of connecting with your students as taking time away from your responsibilities. Instead, see it as an investment in your classroom’s overall success.
When you take the time to build genuine connections with your students, you’re not just creating a pleasant atmosphere—you’re laying the foundation for a classroom where students feel safe, valued, and motivated to learn. And this doesn’t just benefit your students; it benefits you too.
When students feel connected to you and to each other, they’re more likely to engage in the material, participate in discussions, and exhibit positive behavior. In the long run, this means fewer disruptions, smoother transitions, and a more focused learning environment.
Think about the impact a strong relationship has on any aspect of life—whether it’s with friends, family, or colleagues. In each case, that connection makes communication easier, trust deeper, and collaboration more effective. The same is true in the classroom.
When students feel connected to their teacher, they’re more likely to listen, to try harder, and to reach out when they’re struggling. They see you as more than just an authority figure; they see you as someone who cares about their well-being and success.
This connection doesn’t just happen on its own—it’s cultivated through consistent, intentional interactions. A morning greeting, a quick check-in, or even just taking a moment to ask how a student’s weekend was can make all the difference.
These small gestures tell your students, “You matter to me. I’m invested in you.”
(Quick) Q-Tips on How to do Invest in Student Relationships:
Investing in relationships doesn’t have to be a time-consuming or complicated process. Here are some practical strategies you can incorporate into your daily routine:
Start with Yourself: Before you even begin your day, take a moment to check in with yourself. How are you feeling? What’s your mindset as you step into the classroom? By grounding yourself first, you set the stage for a positive and mindful approach to the day ahead. Maybe some of our tips for starting the New Year might help.
Greet them personally: At the door, make eye contact, use their names, and find out how they want to be greeted. Whether it’s a hug, a handshake, or a high-five, this small interaction can set a positive tone right from the start.
Daily Check-ins: Just like we discussed in our last post, quick check-ins are a fantastic way to gauge how your students are feeling and to help them connect with themselves and each other. Whether it’s a simple weather report or a round of gratitude, these moments of connection are invaluable.
Create a Welcoming Environment: Think about the atmosphere you want to create in your classroom. Is it one of respect, curiosity, and collaboration? By being intentional about the environment you cultivate, you create a space where students feel safe to express themselves and engage fully.
Get to know them on a personal level. During the first month of school can you carve out 10 minutes a day to connect on a personal level with one student? This can happen during recess, free time, quiet reading time, or even lunch (I used to spend the first few weeks of school eating lunch with my students).
Find out, what are their likes and dislikes? Their hobbies and talents? What is their family unit like? Find out about their culture, traditions, and the languages spoken at home. What are their hopes and dreams now and for the future. Each day try to remember and make a personal connection outside of what’s happening in school. Don’t forget to make notes so you can reference them (especially before parent-teacher conferences). Get your freebie here to help you keep track!
Here’s the exciting part:
The time you invest in building relationships and connections will pay off in dividends.
I understand that you need your time as well! It can feel like a lot to do, especially at the start of the new school year. However, I promise that you’ll find that your students are more engaged, more cooperative, and more willing to take risks in their learning (most of them, most of the time). Behavioral issues may decrease, and the overall vibe of your classroom will shift to one of positivity and mutual respect.
Moreover, this investment has long-term benefits.
The relationships you build with your students today can have a lasting impact on their academic journey and personal development. They’ll remember the teacher who took the time to know them, to connect with them, and to make them feel like they mattered (I know I remember those teachers!).
Remember: You’re not just teaching content; you’re teaching human beings. And when those students feel connected, supported, and valued, they’re not just learning—they’re thriving.
So, the next time you find yourself worrying about having enough time for everything, remember that the time you spend building relationships with your students is never wasted. It’s the most important investment you can make in your classroom.
WE’VE GOT A FREEBIE FOR YOU TO HELP CULTIVATE CLASSROOM CONNECTION!
