10 Ways to get to know your students
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Oct 9, 2023
Ways to get to know your students
It is the that time of year again! Time to start thinking of back to school, and all the new learners you will be connecting with in the coming year. Establishing a deep understanding of our students is a vital aspect of effective teaching. By taking the time to connect with them on a personal level, we create a smoother classroom experience and enhance our ability to support their learning.
Looking for some print and go resources to help you get to know your students at the start of the new school year? Click on the image or button below to grab this COMPLETE set of back to school forms and activities – it contains a variety of resources and activities to help you start the new year off right.
Today we explore ten ways to get to know your students and help build meaningful relationships throughout the school year.
independent student conferences
When it comes to getting to know your students, nothing beats a little one on one time. This is why it is so important to regularly engage in one-to-one conferences with your students. Set aside time each week to discuss their goals, achievements, and areas for improvement. This personalized attention demonstrates your support and encouragement, while also providing an opportunity for students to express themselves and seek guidance. Create a schedule to ensure you connect with each student throughout the week.
Quiet observation
Observe your students closely to gain valuable insights into their behaviors, preferences, and interactions. Pay attention to whom they interact with, their reading habits, and how they spend their time. Observation is a powerful tool for understanding your students, helping you tailor instruction to their individual needs and interests.
Learning style inventories
Distribute Learning Style Inventories or surveys at the beginning of the year to gain deeper insights into your students’ likes, dislikes, thoughts, and learning styles. This direct input from students allows you to understand their perspectives and adapt your teaching accordingly.
I am a huge fan of the Learning Style Inventories pictured above. These fun activities really help me get to know the individual learning needs of my students at the start of the school year, and help make planning a whole lot easier. And the best part? They are actually fun for the kids! Grab a copy by clicking on the image below.
For additional information on learning styles and tips for incorporating them into your classroom teaching, be sure to check out of complete guide to learning styles in the classroom!
Encourage parental involvement
Collaborate with parents to learn more about your students. Request their input through surveys or conversations to gain a comprehensive understanding of each child’s strengths, challenges, and interests. This partnership between home and school provides valuable information and fosters a supportive learning environment.
The Parent Perspective forms pictured above are a great handout to send home at the start of the school year to encourage parent involvement.
Grab a copy of these resources (along with a whole bunch of other great forms for back to school) by clicking here.
Personal Writing Activities
Incorporate writing activities that encourage personal responses or narratives. These activities provide students with a comfortable outlet for self-expression and allow you to gain insights into their thoughts and emotions. Responding to their writing can further strengthen your connection and create a safe space for sharing.
These Would You Rather writing prompts for back to school are a great way to encourage personal writing while also having fun. After selecting their answers and sharing with their classmates, students can further respond to their answers in written form. The fun prompts and opportunity to share their ideas make the writing process a whole lot easier.
Grab a copy of this activity by clicking on the image below!
For more information on the benefits of using Would You Rather prompts with your learners (and a great freebie!) click here.
Create Art together
Engaging in art activities with your students at the start of a new school year offers numerous benefits beyond the creative expression. By immersing yourself in collaborative art projects, you not only foster a positive and inclusive classroom culture but also gain valuable insights into your students’ personalities, interests, and learning styles. Through art, students can freely express themselves, showcasing their unique talents and perspectives. This shared experience promotes a sense of belonging, builds trust, and strengthens the teacher-student relationship from the outset. Furthermore, art activities encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, setting a foundation for academic success throughout the year.
Looking for a fun beginning of the year art activity? Check out the Mandala projects linked below! These activities are fun art activities to get to know your learners, as students are asked to create symbolic representations of themselves. Completed projects make great bulletin board displays!
Grab a copy by clicking here or on the image below.
For additional information on the benefits of incorporating art based activities in your upper elementary and middle school classroom, be sure to check out our complete guide to the benefits of arts integration!
Lunch Bunch
Consider having lunch with your students occasionally, either in the cafeteria or in the classroom. Sharing a meal provides an informal setting for conversations and allows you to connect with students in a relaxed environment. It can be a memorable experience for both you and your students.
Practice Active Listening
Engage in active listening by asking thoughtful questions and paying attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues. By listening carefully, you can uncover hidden messages and better understand your students’ needs, concerns, and aspirations. Actively listening also demonstrates your genuine interest and care for their well-being.
Plan Community Building Activities
Community building activities should not be limited to the beginning of the school year. Continuously incorporate games, icebreakers, and team-building exercises to promote positive interactions and problem-solving skills. These activities allow you to observe students in different social contexts and deepen your understanding of their strengths and collaboration styles.
Looking for some fun icebreakers to engage your learners? Grab some great ones here.
build outside of school connections
Consider attending extracurricular activities or events where your students are involved. This provides an opportunity to see them in their natural environments and gain insights into their interests and talents outside the classroom. While this involvement is certainly optional, it can have a significant impact on building stronger connections.
By implementing these ten strategies, you can foster a genuine connection with your students and create a positive and inclusive learning environment. Remember, getting to know your students is an ongoing process that extends beyond the beginning of the school year. Embrace these strategies throughout the year to deepen your understanding of each student’s unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations – you can make a lasting impact on their academic growth and personal development. Happy connecting!
looking FOR MORE back TO school information?
Check out the blog posts below!
Learning Style Activities for Back to School
Back to School Resource Roundup
Mandala Art Projects for Back to School
Do Unto Otters – The Perfect Back to School Read Aloud
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