Build Trust by Getting to Know Your Students on a Deeper Level

Understanding your students on a deeper level is key to preventing challenging behaviors, and often overlooked in traditional ‘classroom management’ or ‘discipline’ approaches. This week, we encourage you to ask yourself, "What don't I know about my students, and how can I find out more?" 

I like to start with a simple chat. You might already know a lot about your learners, but there's always more to discover. Try having at least one non-academic conversation with a student this week to uncover their interests, especially outside of school. What will you learn about them? I like to ask open ended questions, like “what are some sports you like?” rather than “what’s your favorite soccer team?” to leave plenty of room for connection.

For even deeper insights, take the initiative to send a family survey home. If you’re already part of the Positive and Engaged Learning Community, we include an example to help you get started.

By understanding your students more fully, you can create a space that supports positive behavior and fosters a strong learning community. Building trust is a powerful part of your positive and engaged learning community toolkit!