If there's one thing I know for sure about teaching, it's this: Students learn best when they know their teachers care about them.
When I think back to my own experiences as a student, the times I learned and grew the most were often the times I felt that a teacher really knew me and believed in me. Like when Mr. G. mentioned my performance in the school play, or when my French teacher greeted us at the door each day, cheerfully calling us by our “French” names.
Funny how those little moments stick with us, isn't it?
And as a teacher, I've found the same thing to be true. Building relationships with students is one of the most important things we can do to create a classroom where kids feel comfortable, confident, and ready to learn.
Of course, I don't think any of this is news to teachers! We know how important it is to connect with our students. But between lesson planning, grading, meetings, paperwork, and everything else on our plates, sometimes it's nice to have a little reminder.
So, here are 10 easy ways to show students you care (and a free poster). They're simple, practical, and most don't require any extra planning!
1. Write Personal Notes on Student Work
How often do you hand back an assignment only to watch students quickly scan for their grade and toss the paper into a folder...or worse, the garbage? That's why I love leaving little notes on students' work.
Instead of simply writing "Good job!" I try to leave comments that show students I really know them. Something like, "Wow! You use figurative language in your writing as well as you shoot 3-pointers!"
It takes just a few extra seconds, but a personalized note can mean so much more than a grade at the top of the page.
2. Set High Standards (and Help Students Meet Them!)
Here's something that might not immediately come to mind when we think about showing students we care: holding them to high expectations.
On the first day of school, I always let my students know that I expect great things from them, both academically and behaviorally. That means having clear classroom procedures, expecting students to do their best work, and yes, sometimes asking them to redo an assignment because I know they're capable of more.
It's the "tough love" side of teaching. But I think students need to know that we believe in their potential enough to challenge them.
Of course, high expectations go hand in hand with giving students the support they need to succeed.
I'm a HUGE fan of positive phone calls home!
We all know that families often hear from school when something has gone wrong. So imagine how wonderful it is when a parent answers the phone and discovers that you're calling just to share something great about their child!
It's such a simple way to strengthen relationships with students and their families.
And the best part? You can almost guarantee that your student will hear about that phone call later!
4. Give Students a Shout-Out
I'll never forget my supervising teacher when I was student teaching. She regularly told her students how much she loved them, and I remember being in awe of how naturally she expressed that affection.
I've tried to follow her lead.
I tell students when I'm proud of them, when they've impressed me, and when I appreciate the effort they're putting into their work.
And I think it's especially important to say those things on the days when we're stressed, tired, and overwhelmed.
Sometimes students just need to hear that we're rooting for them!
I love watching students succeed in the classroom, but for many kids, their greatest talents are on display somewhere else entirely. Maybe it's the soccer field, the band concert, or the school play.
That's why I used to try to set aside at least one evening each month to attend an extracurricular event where my students were participating.
And let me tell you, there is nothing quite like the connection you make with a student when they spot you cheering them on from the sidelines or sitting in the audience.
The conversations the next day are always worth it!
Want to get a student's attention? Put their name in a classroom assignment!
I've always loved working students' names, interests, and hobbies into the activities I create.
Whether it's a math problem, a writing prompt, or a reading passage, students get such a kick out of seeing themselves included in the lesson.
Of course, I always make sure their names are connected to something positive.
It's a small detail, but it sends a big message: I know you, and you matter in this classroom.
Have you ever heard that one way to get your own children to listen is to say something within their earshot to someone else? Well, I like to use that same trick with students!
When I'm chatting with another teacher, I love finding opportunities to brag about something a student has accomplished.
And if that student happens to overhear me? Even better!
There's something special about hearing someone say something wonderful about you when they don't realize you're listening.
Teachers are human, too!
One of my favorite ways to build relationships with students is to let them get to know me as a person.
I share stories about my family, things I enjoy, funny experiences, and even times when I've struggled or made mistakes.
Of course, there's a balance. Students don't need to know everything about our personal lives! But sharing appropriate stories helps them see us as real people.
And sometimes those stories encourage students to open up and share a little more about themselves, too.
This one might be the easiest idea on the entire list!
When the bell rings, I like to be standing at my classroom door, ready to greet students as they arrive. I say hello, use their names, and try to give them the impression that I'm genuinely happy to see them.
Because I am!
It's such a simple way to set a positive tone before class even begins. And for a student who's having a rough morning, a friendly greeting might be just what they need.
There are so many ways to celebrate students, and they don't have to involve elaborate parties or expensive rewards.
I love celebrating little victories by displaying student work, recognizing improvements, and calling attention to the effort students put into their learning.
And sometimes, it's fun to go BIG and plan a special celebration!
The important thing is to make sure students know their accomplishments matter.
And remember, success looks different for every student. Sometimes the biggest victory is something that might seem pretty small to everyone else.
Grab Your FREE Printable Poster!
One Last Thought...
At the end of the day, teaching isn't really about tests, paperwork, or curriculum requirements. It's about the relationships we build and creating classrooms where students feel safe, confident, and excited to learn.
And that starts with showing students we care. Since you're reading this, I'd say you've already got that part covered.
Lucky students!
