By Becky Fenton

Being a specialty area teacher at the elementary level affords one the opportunity of having every student in the building visit their classroom each week. However, the percentage of time specials teachers spend with their students each year is small, compared to that of classroom teachers. It is, therefore, important for specials teachers to find ways to build relationship with students and bridge the gap from week to week. Following are some suggestions for building and maintaining positive student/teacher rapport throughout the school year.

1. Greet every student at the door prior to having them enter the classroom. Try as you may, chances are you will not be able to connect with every student each time you have them for a class period. However, taking the time to greet every student at the door allows you to make a connection, even before starting class. As the students enter, give them the choice of a hug, a handshake, a high-five, a fist-bump, or a smile. In doing this, you are communicating to the students that they are important to you. Additionally, this routine will allow you to get an overall feel for the students before starting class, and will help you take note of any students that might need additional reminders or support that particular day.

2. Establish a beginning of class routine. Having a set procedure for beginning class is a great way for students to shift their focus to learning in your classroom. A simple reciting of the class mission statement, followed by a joke of the day or question of the day, provides positive interaction between you and your group of students prior to learning the content.

3. Praise, Praise, Praise! For some students, small attempts represent great success. While it is easy to take note of big achievements, take the time to celebrate the small successes with students. Sometimes, a small celebration is all a student needs to boost their confidence and take more ownership in the class. A simple statement of praise will go a long way in building rapport and trust between you and your student.

4. Make connections. When you find something out about a student (something they like, or something humorous about them), use that as an extension of your communication with them. For example, if you know a student loves baseball, use that as a talking point for meaningful interaction. Students love it when you remember things about them.

5. Remember their name! One of the greatest gifts you can give someone is to address them by their name. It makes them feel special and validated. Seating charts are a helpful tool for memorizing names.

6. Take the time to show students who you are. One of the best things I have found in building relationship is to be authentic. Share with them, when appropriate, about exciting moments in your life, stories, or past experiences. It is good for your students to be reminded that teachers are people, too.

7. Connect with students outside of the classroom. Most specials teachers will have assigned duties outside of their classroom (before school, cafeteria, etc.). Use that time to make extra connections with students. It could be something as simple as a “Good morning!”, “How is your day?”, or “See you tomorrow.” Or, it could be something more involved, such as listening to a story they want to share or a piece of art they are proud of and want to show you. Whatever the case, use your time outside of class to get to know your students in different venues. The smallest of interaction goes a long way, and it will make a lasting difference in your classroom.

8. Communicate with classroom teachers. Maintaining open lines of communication between you and the classroom teacher will allow you insight as to how to build relationship with even the most difficult of students. Find out what is working for them in their classroom, ask about changes in a student’s life, and see how you can use the information you gain to further strengthen your communication with your students.

9. Capitalize on student strengths. Students love to help in ways that interest them. Find out what students like to do and find ways to help them do it. If you have students who want to stay a few minutes after and straighten the room, allowing them to do so will give them ownership of the classroom and will make them want to do to their best when they come to your class.

10. Remind them of their worth. Finally, take the time to remind students that they are important to you, and that the class is better because of them. Remind them that they are a valued and respected part of the team. Remind them that they can, even when they think they can’t, reiterating that your class is a safe place to try, and that small successes will be celebrated. It is true that students don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care. When students feel respected, validated, and cared for, the sky is the limit on what they can achieve.

Becky Fenton has been a music educator for 30 years, having taught at both the elementary and secondary levels. She has been with the Republic School district for 24 years where she teaches K-5 music. (The term “specials” is used to describe art, music, pe, librarians, and technology teachers.)