Building Relationships With Students and Colleagues Is Key For A Successful Year

When returning back to school, building relationships with our students, either in person, or virtually, is key to having a successful year. People are emotional creatures and they need to know they are cared about and valued. It is important to build a foundation of trust and respect with our students and their parents so that we can work successfully together. Check out this post for some tips for getting to know your students.

Developing a good working relationship with our colleagues is also very important. We need to feel that others are there for us when we have difficulties, to support us, and even to be our cheerleaders. We also need to be there for others when they are struggling and to celebrate with them when breakthroughs happen or special moments happen.

This year, it is especially key for a successful year. There are so many stressed out teachers, co-workers, parents, and children because of all the unknowns with the pandemic. There are so many unanswered questions. Here are just a few of the ones floating around.

Teachers:
What is my classroom going to look like?
How am I going to ensure that social distancing happens?
How do I engage my students when they are not able to work together and share materials?
How do I find a balance between in person and online teaching/learning?
What resources will I need to make this happen?
How do I help my students feel like they belong and they are important?
How do I keep everyone safe?

Students:
Will I be able to play with my friends?
How will I be able to get help when I don't understand?
Do I need to wear a mask all day?
What happens when I need to go to the bathroom?
What if I get too close to others or I forget to leave space?
What if I can't remember all the rules?
Who will help me if I need it?
Will my teacher and classmates like me?

Parents:
Should I send my child to school or home school?
Will my child be safe?
How will I be able to help if I keep my child home?
How do I prepare my child for what to expect at school?
What are they doing to ensure social distancing and a clean environment?
Is it better for my child's mental health to go to school or stay home?
How can I support my child and the teacher?

Safety seems to be the number one thing that concerns everyone. It is important that protocols be in place to ensure the safety of everyone as we navigate through this new way of learning. Working together we can make this happen.
I don't know if anyone has the answers to all these questions, but I do know that we all want what is best for the emotional and physical well-being of those involved.

We need to focus on some of the positives of being together again. Anxiety only increases stress. Try to enjoy being together. Find ways to build those relationships and have a successful year. Here are some tips that still hold true even with the unusual year we are about to begin.

I wish you all the best as we navigate this school year together.

                        Stay safe, stay calm, and have fun.

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