#UrbanEdChat Archive
#UrbanEd chat is a twitter chat for educators. Topics relevant to the subject of urban education will be discussed, but all educators are encouraged to join the conversation. The chats will be moderated by Ben and Neil, founders of Engaging Educators and elementary school teachers in Detroit, MI.
Thursday September 22, 2016 8:00 PM EDT
Welcome to ! Today we will be discussing building strong relationships with students.
So excited to help moderate tonight! We're talking about building strong relationships with students.
Please introduce yourself, what grade you teach or position, and your location!
Happy Thursday! Catherine from Fresno CA. Current college S to soon be Eng T. Excited to be here for the 2nd time. I'm ready!
Hello, PLN! Robert here from Los Angeles. Middle school English.
Adam, 5/6 social studies, Brooklyn, OH! Great to be here!
Taylor - preservice high school math from NC!
Welcome! Thanks for joining us this evening!
Hi Bradford Harris from hou. tx innovative specialist Happy Friday eve
Hello Everyone! Reba from Dallas, Texas. Consultant w/ Houghton-Mifflin-Harcourt.
Chris from MO. Emotional Behavioral Supports and Transitions for SPED. Excited to be here!
Hi great to have you as always
Welcome! Thank you for joining us this evening!
Thanks for joining us this evening!
Before we start find somebody new to follow to grow your PLN
Let's welcome our guest host
follows a Q & A Format. Q1/A1 Q2/A2 1st Question coming in 1 minute
Woo-Hoo ! Looking forward to the chat discussion.
A1 You want to build a connection w/ SS find out their hobbies and interest so they can be successful in your room
A1: Ss are skeptical...but they will work with those that they trust. Build a relationship filled with trust, Ss will excel!
A1: Because I always say Ss don't care what you know until they know that you care
A1 Relationships are NOT everything, but they are equal to leadership, laughter, & learning. A strong rapport is vital.
Yes! This is SO true. Thanks for sharing this.
Sorry I can't attend tonight. At camp with our 5th graders
A1: If U build that nurturing/supportive relationship, they will b more open 2 suggestions when they hit those stumbling blocks
Marella 2nd grade Math and SS Chicago
A2) Relationships are the basis to all human interaction. Respect, honor, love, and appreciation are 2-way streets.
A1 Important bc they need to know that there is ppl that believe in them. They need positivity & feel that WE are all a family
This is my kind of chat, could be here all night!😝
A1 Belonging, inclusion, welcome, encouragement, empathy, & attention form strong bonds that enhance learning & feed confidence
A1 Relationship is key. It's hard to accept instruction from ppl you don't like.
This is pitch perfect! Students need all of these things.
A2: Many reasons but misconceptions can be one.
A2, Most T's come a different background than their S's and don't know the "hidden Rules" for diverse students.
Yes. So true. And don't you think kids can tell when adults don't truly care?
A2 It's only difficult when Ss have their walls up & wont let you in. Trust takes time, so be patient, be open, & be YOU.
A2 Sometimes Ts see teaching as just a job or they want to just come in and demand authority you can't connect like that
A2: Ss are cautious and feel that Ts don't understand them. Ts are hesitant out of fear. Ts may not want to open up to Ss!
A1: Relationships with students builds their character and self esteem,
A2) Got me. Pragmatically, it makes sense. Emotionally, it connects. Professionally, it should be a "duh moment."
Do you also think there's some fear involved? Can Ts fear rejection from Ss?
A2 Difficult bc some Ts don't take time to know each of their Ss background. Each S has an untold story. Ts need to INTERACT!
A2: Because we get bogged down in covering content, Ss are different than us/our background, and it takes time
SS can sense when your're just heir for a paycheck which is why most Ss don't want to be Ts in the future
Authenticity is SO important. Kids can sense it.
A2) Kids like who they like because of who likes them. If we build the bridge we'd be astonished at all those that walk withus
A2: 2 many Ts believe Ss should just do what they say without expressing I care for your life and learning.
Ts must be culturally responsive to Ss needs. https://t.co/G7NgMp7RmM
A2, Most T's come a different background than their S's and don't know the "hidden Rules" for diverse students.
In our district, kids get surveys about Ts. Developing relationships is usually the lowest score for Ts
A2: often times we blame Ss for not wanting to build s relationship. It can be that the teacher isn't showing that they care!
EVERYTHING a teacher does should show they care. Structure & security show caring. Inspiration & enthusiasm show caring.
Yes! Ts must realize that they need to earn Ss trust.
We have conditioned Ss that school functions this way so we have to give them time to trust us
An education is not an education at all until you educate the heart - Aristotle
I just commented on this very thing, Adam! Great minds... https://t.co/B9rUFHP70v
A2: often times we blame Ss for not wanting to build s relationship. It can be that the teacher isn't showing that they care!
A3 before school starts send letters email a your website show a video of you welcoming SS to your class on YouTube
A3: from day 1! Find that connection and build on it! Don't let a chance slip away. When a S leaves an opening it's on purpose!
Q2 Many teachers can't relate culturally to the students they serve.
it's so true! We are some pretty great minds!
LOVE the idea of a video! So cool.
A3 As soon at that kid first walks into your classroom. Don't waste time! Tell them from the beginning HOW IMPORTANT they are
A3: The previous school year. How powerful it would be if 5th grade Ts got to know 4th grade Ss?
A3 before they arrive! Make a connection with an e-mail or snail mail telling them how excited you are to have them as a S!
A3) How 'bout now?! How 'bout everday we get up and reinvest in why we do this and realize that every child is a child.
Is it possible to start building relationships before the prior school year ends?
"Give me a place to stand, and I shall move the Earth!" Your tweet gives me the sense you're that type of educator.
A3 One of the best things about being at a school for a long time is that your reputation precedes you. Ss already know who u r
You are BRINGING it tonight! Love this!!!
Building relationships with Ss helps motivate them to better at what every they do. https://t.co/xk1mQi6Bcd
"Give me a place to stand, and I shall move the Earth!" Your tweet gives me the sense you're that type of educator.
I was just thinking about this too. An educator sends phone calls and letters way before they begin. That's cool!
A2 Some don't like the children. It's just a job. No urgency for the plight of student achievement.
Q3 The relationship building process should start as soon as T and S meet. It's ongoing
Monica, Special Education teacher, Texas. Popping in for tonight. Amazing convo tonight!
A4: know their names, learn their interests, tell Ss about myself, inside jokes, show you trust them..give them responsibility.
., if you say so! Go to their after-school activities and call parents with a positive phone call as the first call.
A4 Plan to teach every child like their your own.
We're moving fast and furious tonight! Q5 coming soon.
A4) How do you develop relationships with anyone? Show these: love, respect, admiration. Don't we know kids see these too?
A4: No matter how you build it, you must genuine and condescending
A4: Listening. Being non judgmental.
A4 I make talk! I ask about their day, how they're feeling, what they like to do. Simply creating a RELATIONSHP of trust!
A4 My S relationships are centered around their education. Praise effort & intelligence equally. Inspire, embolden, empower!
Maybe Ts think we must do something differently with Ss?
A4 I constantly tell Ss how proud I am of them, of the hard work they've done. For them, those words mean so much.
Has a Ss ever told you that they wanted to do well because of you?
I think names should be one of the 1st things we should learn. It lets them know that we care. https://t.co/3duDJaJNJ5
A4: know their names, learn their interests, tell Ss about myself, inside jokes, show you trust them..give them responsibility.
A5 Hold celebration of learning events and student led conferences. Let the students share what they've learned to the public.
A5 handwritten notes, pics with S's (make them a copy) certificates, birthday celebrations and showing up!
A5: tell them they did great! Call home for positivity! Tweet out success! Tell other Ts! Share a moment with the student!
A5: Depending on the age group you do it openly or individually at a student conference
A5: My favorite part of the year was writing notes to each one of my Ss. All 140+! It's worth it!
A4: No matter how you build it, you must genuine and condescending
Positive calls are SO important. It helps develop relationships with Ss and Parents!
A4: No matter how you build it, you must genuine and not condescending
A5: I called their parents so the Ss can hear the positive news being communicated. Proud Ps and Ss.
Wow! It's going by so fast! Q6 coming up.
A5 I love telling them how they've changed my life. Some Ss wanted to meet up outside of my work & we did.
A6 I do not preach & I don't advise unless asked. I let the characters & themes of great literature do all the talking.
A6: As you all have mentioned, once the relationship is built you can help them see them as building blocks for being stronger.
A6: don't lecture..don't belittle...just listen. Perhaps that's all they need. Ss just want an open mind ears to hear them.
knowing names is pivotal 😊📚 Immediate connection for student to feel sense of belonging
This has been such an AWESOME chat! I have 2 Qs left, but will only post one more in 3 mins
A6 Let the books inspire: 9 Young Adult Novels that Teach Gratitude, Grit, and a Growth Mindset to Kids https://t.co/SRNT8WiGsX
A6 Words of encouragement. Just tell them that no matter what theyre going through, to always remember they are WORTH IT!
correct sometimes SS need for Ts to just listen
A6 leverage community resources that provide the particular service and refer the students to them. Keep the classrooms focused.
Thank you for joining us for ! A very special thanks to for moderating.
A6) Listen. Every now and then we need to be the students and learn from Ss. Have empathy. Remember that all struggle.
A7 only if the social media is restricted for professional purpose only!
A7: only through professional accounts and if Ss are of age to use social media. Ts shouldn't follow, but respond appropriately
A7: I'm on the fence here. We've been discussing social media lately. Does your district have policies in place?
A7 I place all my faith in face to face interactions. Kids need social modeling, not social media, from teachers.
Be sure to tune in next Thurs at 7:ooPM CST for another great conversation