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1. With having three classes this year, I have had to be more intentional with getting to know each learner. Especially because I have a shorter amount of time with my classes than in the past. I use to only have family meetings with my homeroom, but I have made it a goal to have at least one with my switch classes every week. I also am trying really hard to learn all the kids names on the opposite side. It's become a fun little game while I'm on lunch duty, and I get to know more about the kids in 4A&B.
2. I love following @gcouros on twitter! He's always tweeting interesting articles and ideas.

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This has been quite a quick transition for me. Starting at Town Center the week before Halloween feels like yesterday. It is crazy to think I have been here for almost 3ish months! Coming in mid-semester was not as difficult as my mind made it out to be prior to starting here. What I have found that helps to make quicker and stronger connection with the learners in my class is to listen. Taking two minutes out of my day for one of my learners to tell me about something they did last night or a trip they are looking forward to, really makes a difference for the rapport built in our classroom. Several of the learners in my classroom have difficulty expressing emotion, and taking the time to really try and understand has helped build trust and understanding quicker.

2. I love Special Books by Special Kids. It is really amazing to see how this group takes time to speak and to hear what children of all abilities want to say and how they feel about different things. http://www.specialbooksbyspecialkids.org/

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This is my first time to truly loop and have the same learners as last year, so it's been really important to me to foster my relationships. We have weekly family meetings, but honestly I feel like I have formed stronger connections in my daily conversations with them. Morning time is really important for us. Often, you can find learners at my desk talking about their weekend, the latest episode of their favorite show, or something that they're looking forward to. I realized this year that these conversations are crucial for them. They love to interact with us, and they know if we are really listening or not. I have also really let them take ownership this year, by having my learners submit ideas for class meetings.

I love following George Couros! I enjoyed hearing him at Convocation last year, and he always has great ideas of how to maintain and strengthen relationships.
@gcouros

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Building relationships is THE KEY to a great year. Every year I make it a priority to build relationships with my students and parents. But I also think it's important to keep these relationships after they leave your classroom. A hug, smile, conversation, with past students goes a long way. I have had many past students come back to me when they were older for help and guidance. Always make sure to make relationships a key in your life. your current learnera are watching and if they are you keep relationships with past students then they know that you put relationships as a priority!

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1. This is my first time to have three classes of kids instead of two, so I have been having to work extra hard to get to know all of them. In an attempt to be more intentional about that, I sometimes draw a number at the beginning of the day. Then I make it a goal to focus on the kid in each class that has that class number. It works most of the time, but there are days when I forget to draw a number or things get crazy. Other than that, we start each family meeting with a check in system in which the kids share how they're feeling in that moment and explain why. We also do written reflections on Mondays and Fridays. I learn a lot from the things that the kids write on those reflections.
2. I recently discovered the Mindshift Podcast from NPR. I have known about their blog for a while, but the podcast is new to me. Great way to reflect on my job while I'm driving. :) https://www.npr.org/podcasts/464615685/mind-shift-podcast

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1. I love starting each day with morning meetings and quick check-ins to give the students a chance to share what's going on in their lives and how that's making them feel. It allows me to know where my kids are at each day, and which ones might need some extra one-on-one time with me. The students (including me) will come in and give me a ranking on how they're feeling (1-5) and have the opportunity to share why. This lets them see that I genuinely care about them and how they're doing, and also gives me a lot of insight into their why behind their behavior and attitude that day.
2. This article provides ideas that we can use to build stronger relationships with our students:
https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/blog-posts/genia-connell/10-ways-build-relationships-students-year-1/

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1. Writing time and read aloud time have really encouraged building positive relationships. When we're writing narratives and I'm modeling what I want them to do, I end up telling them a story about myself and my life. They start talking about their lives and their stories and we all feel like we know each other better. Today I teared up at the end of our read aloud and the kids were absolutely mesmerized. We talked about how the ending was sweet and made me think of how my own kids are growing up; my opinion about opening up like that is that they see me as an actual person with feelings instead of just their naggy old teacher. :)
We have lunch bunch and we have morning meetings averaging about two times per week.

2.  I like how this article lures you in by talking about how to be a popular teacher. "Teachers become popular by building good relationships with their students by treating them the way they would like to be treated." http://www.nea.org/tools/51057.htm

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I have weekly class meetings. We talk about issues the kids are having at school and how as a class we can fix them We have also talked issues students have had a home or at other activities outside of school. It has been nice to see how my students have been able to help each other.

I follow @trachergoals on twitter I like how information is given often in a comedic way but still with a positive message

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1.  In order to form stronger connections with my students I have weekly class meetings and open discussions to have them talk about what is on their minds and hearts.  I also think that our conversations on the playground and lunch bunch allow me  the small group/one on one time that I need in order to form a deeper connection with each child.
When I see the kids out in our community I always make a point to saw hi, give them a hug and ask how there evening/weekend is going.
2.  While researching links and articles on this topic I came across this one..https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/blog-posts/genia-connell/10-ways-build-relationships-students-year-1/

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1.  A way I have formed a stronger connection to my learners this year has been talking with them each day on the playground at recess.  It is 30 minutes in a risk free environment to just learn about them personally.  I also do this during lunch time when I have duty or when I have lunch bunch in my classroom.  I love having learners write about their weekend/holiday wrap up several times a month which gives me another picture into their personal life outside of school.  It is a conversation starter on good and bad days.  As it stated in the video I can now put a personal piece to my kids not just a face and a name.

2.  An article and an individual on Twitter that I follow focusing on building stronger relationships with learners.

https://www.edutopia.org/sel-research-learning-outcomes -https://twitter.com/RadkaLee

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1. I think the key to building relationships is ensuring that your learners know that you care about their interests and their lives outside of school as well. Family meetings once a week help to give me a good idea about anything that might be going on in a learners life at the time. We also do what we call "good things" every day. This is how we start our class time. The kiddos are able to tell me anything good that doesn't have to be related to school. I would say good things and just genuine conversations are the main way that I build and sustain relationships with the learners.

2. I read a book in my last year of the education program called Power of our words by Paula Denton and would recommend it to anyone! She has so many great things to say and tips about how building relationships creates a friendly environment conducive to learning.

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Getting to know each one of my kiddos and their story. I find this to be the most important thing when it comes to building relationships with my learners. Not only do they get a greeting from me each morning, but I specifically try to pick a different learner or two each morning and ask them how things are going for them. This could be at home or at school. It is also important to get to know the passions of your learners. What do they like to do for fun? What do they fear? I also think that opening up to our learners about our lives outside of school will also help them find the connections they need to feel confident to open up to us as well. Finally, having those morning meetings. Taking 10-15 minutes out of the day and letting your learners share the things that matter most to them and their perspective of situations.

I love this article on the Power of Positive Relationships!
https://www.amle.org/BrowsebyTopic/WhatsNew/WNDet/TabId/270/ArtMID/888/ArticleID/185/The-Power-of-Positive-Relationships.aspx

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I have always had class meetings on Monday and we would talk about what we did over the weekend and share highs and lows. This year I have made my class meeting more meaningful. We have a goal for the week, a greeting when we sit down, and activity, and then a lesson. My learners fill out a reflection sheet and that is how I drive the next meeting.  Doing my meetings this way this year has really helped me to build a stronger relationship with each of my learners.  I truly believe it has brought my learners closer and they have a stronger bond with each other.

I follow @ronclarkacademy on twitter. He tweets out ways to connect with all learners and positives things to do each day.

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I have always done my job by the old "they don't care what you know until they know that you care" adage. I get involved with tons of things that kids are interested in because, let's be honest, I am basically an 11 year old boy inside. Building relationships is the whole purpose of being an educator. Getting to know the interests of all of your kids in the only way you can actually be a highly effective teacher. Not just getting to know their interests, but finding out what makes their own interests interesting.  This allows the students to feel connected to the teacher and as an effect, learn more without even realizing it.

I am a huge fan of Jon Gordon @jongordon11.  He teaches leadership and relationships and how they go hand in hand.  He is the perfect follow on Twitter and always relevant.

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I think in the younger grades building relationships with your parents is just as important as building relationships with their parents and families!  Younger children have a difficult time recalling events of the school day, informing parents of homework, reminders, and things of this nature.  If you don't build relationships with your parents individually then they end up feeling out of the loop and out of touch with their child and their child's education.  Those sweet parents entrust their babies to us each and every day.  They count on us to educate them and teach them but also to love them, help them with social skills, make sure they eat lunch, and even put on a coat when it's cold outside.  It is not easy for parents to let go and I think building that relationship with them automatically helps build relationships with your learners too.  If their parents feel secure and known then they will too!

I am not very good at Twitter, but I am working on it! One thing I am good at is instagram and I follow several teachers and classes there. One teacher I follow is @truetalesofateacher She teaches 2nd grade and her instagram is mostly her classroom and teaching partners but she also allows parents and students to see a glimpse into her personal life as well. I think when parents and students see you as a whole person it helps them make connections that build relationships too. She also has a quote on her bio that says "Striving to be a significant teacher for EVERY student!" I love that! We should strive for EVERY one!!

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One way that I try to make connections each day is to work hard to ensure that my learners emotional needs are "heard".  It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle of "we only have 30 minutes in here (resource) so quickly tell me what you need".  They need to feel that we do care by our actions and not just our words.  Allowing our sped students to have a time to "voice" their fears and cheers goes such a long way.  I try to find a connection with each learner.  I have even attended a game to cheer them along!
I found a TED talk titled "Every kid needs a champion" by Rita Pierson. It really struck a chord with me.

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I've been in a very unique situation this year! Most of the kids in my class were together last year and all looped up together- I was the newbie! They relationships they already had starting 1st grade together were so strong and so special. Being the "new kid" in the class has given me such a different perspective! We are very intentional as a class about having family time. We check in with each other and listen to each other. One thing they hear me say several times a day- 1D is a FAMILY and we stick together. Besides our family time, I make a point of spending one-on-one time with each child, each day. Those little chats we have while they are coming in in the morning or out on the playground at recess are so vital to forming those relationships! It is so easy to get caught up in all of the "stuff" that comes with this job! We stay so very busy, but the kids are why we are there!

2.  One of my favorite educators I follow on twitter is @HopeKingTeach but her instagram (@elementaryshenanigans) is what fits so well with this article! She and her husband are both teachers at the Ron Clark Acadmey in Atlanta, GA. The kids in their classes have been through a lot of life, and may not have some of the same support systems at home that our kids have. But the way that Hope connects with and engages her kids is beautiful! She's exactly who I want to be as a teacher!

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During morning bus I will ask the learners about their week-ends, etc and while I am with the breakfast crowd I try to sit with them and have casual conversations to get to know them better.  It has helped me in the gym to know their back stories better.  @KidsDeserveIt

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1. One of my favorite quotes is by James Comer and it states, "No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship." It is my goal each day to spend a little bit of time talking to each of my students one-on-one, even if it is only for 30 seconds, in order to connect with them. In addition, I start each class with afamily meeting, which allows us all to connect and build relationships within our classroom. Taking the time to chat with my students each day affords me the opportunity to build and maintain relationships that are crucial in the learning process.
2.  I love anything that George Couros writes and follow him on Twitter.  This is from one of his blogs in which he addresses the importance of building relationships.
https://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/tag/no-significant-learning-occurs-without-a-significant-relationship

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1. Having class meetings and purposefully setting apart time to talk with learners in small groups and individually has  helped me build those meaningful and stronger connections. Also, allowing learners ways to communicate with teachers (mailbox, letter writing, etc.) when needed helps strengthen that two way communication. Most importantly, clearly communicating that we care about their overall well being has been very important to me.
2.  I found the article linked below very interesting. It provides tools to connect mindfulness with building supportive relationships in the classroom.
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/shared-mindfulness-building-supportive-relationships-abby-wills

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1. Often at the beginning of class I have students share what they did over the weekend or what they are going to do over the coming weekend. This allows me to learn what students are interested in outside of school. Also, oftentimes our activities lead to students sharing their personalities such as writing a 'scary narrative' or what they are thankful for. When you see every students in the school it is sometimes hard to remember everything the students share, but I try my best to often give students the chance to voice an interest/like in hopes of making a connection.
Lastly, I try and visit students in their school clubs. I enjoy watching K-TEX run in the morning, I've stopped by the robotics club after school, and also the drama club on Monday. It is enjoyable seeing students out of the music room and it's an easy way to learn talents that you otherwise may not get to see.
2. This padlet assignment encouraged me to research an article about relationships and this a great read: https://www.edutopia.org/blog/make-meaningful-connections-with-students-nick-provenzano

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I don't have any specific strategies that I use for relationships. I just talk to the kids and genuinely care about what is happening in their lives. We share stories at class meetings and have little class "inside jokes", etc. We have lunch bunches for no reason, and I leave Happy Notes to let them know I care about them. I also make a point to try to connect with those that are more quiet and reserved.

I found an article talking about really noticing and listening to students. What we see is not always what is happening. Take the time to listen...
https://t.co/rBxky0iHhh

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1. Not knowing much about Kinders when school began, I decided to focus on a safe environment for my learners and then I felt like everything else would fall into place!!! Every morning, I tell them they are loved - (I love them), they are valued-(they are important to me) , and they are respected - (they will not be put down by anyone)!!!! If I forget, they remind me to tell them that!!!! We talk about our classroom being "safe" and what that means. Another big saying in my classroom is Kindness Always Wins!!!! A quote I have used for years is "It matters to me what happens to you". Those are NOT just words to me, but how I truly feel. I feel my hugs and smiles and encouraging words, along with high expectations and consistency, have helped my little ones be successful!!! The relationship  must come first and then the learning will come.  I love my little ones!!!!!!
2.  I found an article about developing positive teacher-student relationships.
www.ascd.org
It talked about communicating positive expectations, correcting students in a constructive way, developing a positive classroom pride, demonstrating caring, and preventing and reducing teacher frustration and stress.

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1. I think having morning meetings and looping with the same learners have allowed me to maintain that connection with them. Last year, I have a learner that had many behavior issues. This year, we have formed that strong and consistent connection (relationship) that allows the learner to feel safe and secure with me. The behavior has gotten much better compared to last year. Allowing them to understand that they can feel safe and comfortable all the time and being consistent with the expectations.
2. I found a article about 5 tips on how to build better relationships with our learners. http://www.nea.org/tools/51057.htm

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1. I feel like our family meetings help me get to know my learners a lot better. I also let my learners earn points for positive behavior in class. The learners use those points to have lunch bunch with me in the room. It is so fun to get to communicate with my kids when they are not in front of all of their classmates. It is a very relaxed environment.

2. I follow @teachingandsofourth on Instagram! She has the BEST posts about connecting with her learners! She also has amazing songs that she does with her learners!

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I feel like the relationship piece of teaching comes very naturally to me...I love knowing the "backstory" of my own dear friends and the sweet kids I teach - even the parents who have sent their kids in good trust to me to spend more time with them than they do during the school day.  Everyone is going through something, which could be happy or sad and it matters. I know I feel the need to get as much in as I can as to meet all the educational needs of my first graders, and they are all at such different academic levels. Plus, getting in the technology, fire and lock-down drills, programs, spirit rallies and field trips take up so much of our time.   I visit with them one-on-one every chance I get at recess or writing conferences or a spare moment I can find.  I do feel like I need to chip out more time during class for all to share with one another, such as actual class meetings, where we slow down and enjoy and appreciate and get to know each other and what's happening outside of school.

I'll admit I'm not the best at Twitter (yet) but I do appreciate the push to get in there and explore. I follow  Edutopia (everyone probably does) but it has some really good things...here is one post about reltionship building ... https://www.edutopia.org/blog/fostering-classroom-relationships-larry-ferlazzo-katie-hull-sypnieski

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1) I like to attend my learner's extracurricular activities. It has helped them see that Mrs. Kennington cares about their "story" outside the walls of TCE. If they can, the rest of my family tags along. This helps to model being a "servant" to my own children, but also lets my learners know that we are truly a family that embraces THEIR family. Doing this helps to facilitate ongoing discussions about their weekends during the week and forges a deep connection between us.

2)I follow @stephshaw413 on Twitter. She always has great ideas for different ways to connect with learners. She also wrote this article...
http://www.gettingsmart.com/2016/09/7-ways-to-build-better-relationships-with-students/

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One of the joys of my job is being able to get to know all the learners at TCE.  The joy I get knowing their names and their stories is fabulous.

I really enjoy the Cult of Pedagogy blog and podcasts.  This is a great quick read with tips on connecting with our learners. https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/connecting-with-students/

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1.  I enjoy meeting with learners in small groups and getting to know more about them and see them grow throughout the years. Having times with them outside of the classroom and with a variety of other learners (other than just their friends) showcases some of their individual strengths and unique characteristics that I may not see when they are with people they are comfortable with. I have seen learners who "fly under the radar" in group situations step up as a leader in a smaller group with people who they don't normally interact with.
2. I love the blog posts from the Momentous Institute.  One of their posts is about the importance of even ONE positive relationship and the long-term impact on well-being: http://momentousinstitute.org/blog/why-are-relationships-so-important

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1. One of my biggest goals as a librarian is to try to make connections with our learners so that I can get a greater understanding of who they are as a person and hopefully make book recommendations based on their interests and preferences. I have found that even by asking simple questions like what did you do this weekend or what activities are you in lends itself to really great conversations. It can be difficult to make connections with all 580+ learners, but it's definitely a goal that I continue to strive towards.

2. I adore Todd Nesloney (@TechNinjaTodd on Twitter) and his entire #KidsDeserveIt movement that he has started on Twitter and through his book Kids Deserve It. The movement goes beyond just building relationships with your students, but rather the mindset shift it takes for educators to challenge their conventional thinking and extend themselves beyond what it easy and what they are comfortable with because...KIDS DESERVE IT! ❤️

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I am working to learn the story of all of sweet kiddos that attend TCE.  I am learning about them through RTI, talks with educators, parents, 504s, ARDs, walking the halls and talking to them, and walktrhroughs.  I am getting to know their stories but still fragmented between academic and personal.

https://richardjamesrogers.wordpress.com/2017/09/10/getting-to-know-your-new-students-tips-that-actually-work/

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1. One thing that I find myself working on each year is to ensure that I know or try to know every child by name at TCE. I quiz myself each day as well as try to find some kind of personal connection with anyone I interact with. This may be noticing if someone got a haircut, complimenting them on their shoes, smile or attitude and trying to ask them questions about their lives. I feel knowing your people is not only your job, but makes such a difference in the way in which people respond to you as a person.

2. Still one of my favorite videos from Rita Pierson who has passed away.  If you've never watched it. . .do so!

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Rita Pierson: Every kid needs a champion

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Rita Pierson, a teacher for 40 years, once heard a colleague say, "They don't pay me to like the kids." Her response: "Kids don't learn from people they don't like.'" A rousing call to educators to believe in their students and actually connect with them on a real, human, personal level.

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1. Having morning meetings with my learners is one of the ways I build strong relationships with my learners. My learners also can use their rewards to have lunch bunch with me which is a fun way to connect with my learners in a small group setting.
2.  I follow @ronclarkacademy on twitter. Ron Clark is always tweeting out amazing learning opportunities he is sharing with his learners.

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1. Before testing a students' language proficiency levels, I ask a few personal questions about their likes, previous school, family, etc, to get to know them better.  I try to find a connection to something they have shared with me to share something personal about myself. Building that initial relationship helps students feel more comfortable with me before the assessment.  This also gives me a chance to quickly pre-assess their language ability.  Everyday whether I am In a classroom, the hallway or morning duty,  I am trying to be more intentionally in my conversations with all students to build stronger relationships across grade levels.
2. http://blog.mimio.com/building-positive-relationships-systematically

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1. Moving my room downstairs to a high traffic area has given me the opportunity to have a well used workspace right outside my room. I make it a point to at least once a day chat with whatever learner is out there. I ask about what they are working on, how their weekend was, anything coming up they are excited about, etc. Since doing this, they now call me over to show me something they are proud of, ask for advice, etc. It is important to me if they call me over I take the time (even if busy) to give them a moment.

2. The guru of gifted education Robert Marzano has a few things to say about connecting with learners and keeping a highly engaged classroom (where connecting with learners is key).

http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/mar11/vol68/num06/Relating-to-Students@-It's-What-You-Do-That-Counts.aspx

https://www.marzanoresearch.com/resources/tips/hec_tips_archive

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1. Having looped with my learners this year, I knew that I wanted to challenge myself to hold class meetings on deeper and more reflective topics. Each week I try to make the question or discussion point relevant to something that will be going on. For example, on a week I knew I'd be having a sub, we held a class meeting about what integrity looks like and what I can do to play my part in the classroom. I've definitely learned more about my learners through their reflections and discussions of these various topics.

2. I follow @MindShiftKQED on Twitter, which is an organization that posts about innovations in education in regards to being culturally and technologically responsive to learner needs. I also like @loveandlogic for helpful ideas on the language we can use when speaking to learners, particularly in behavior management situations.