Fostering Positive Relationships in an Elementary Classroom

By Jarek, Jon, Tiffany, Amber, and Kayla

Scenario

A parent approaches you, as the teacher, and says that their daughter came home upset that her classmate told her she couldn’t be an author because she “spoke differently.” You know that their daughter is an ELL student, what would you do? How would you prevent this from happening again?

Democratic Classroom

• This approach can forge positive relationships and teach children to be responsible citizens at the same time.

• Give students input in the classroom, including rules, consequences, and curriculum. If feasible, let children vote on these things.

• This teaches children to be responsible for their own behavior, and that everyone’s voice matters. It also teaches them how to deal with disagreements peacefully.

(Gayton, 1999)

Fostering Relationships Between Students

• “Research shows that children’s social and emotional skills impact their overall academic achievement” (Durlak, Weissberg, Dyminicki, Taylor, & Schellinger, 2011). Pg 1

• Support Strategies

– Structuring the learning environment

– Scheduling the daily routine

– Facilitating social and emotional awareness

– Facilitating children’s interactions

• Help students find something they have in common or something they both like.

(Gainsley)

Fostering Relationships Between Teacher and Parents

• "Parents are the number-one way to bring a school together, no matter what your curriculum and focus is." - Mariah Collins (Katz 503)

• Back to School Nights, Parent Club Meetings, Monthly student centered events (Family Science Night, Literature Fair, Student Art Show)

– Provide transportation

• Home Visits in “natural” settings

(Katz)

Fostering Relationships Between Staff

• Fellow teachers and staff are available for support, but many do not utilize this

– staff meetings, outings with colleagues, and having lunch in staff room are some ways to utilize your peers

• Understanding differences of fellow colleagues and honoring them

• Keep gossip to minimum

– working towards none in the workplace

• communicate thoroughly both concerns and ideas to colleagues

• If serious issues or concerns persist, inform supervisor

Works Cited• Katz, Anne. “Keepin’ It Real: Personalizing School Experiences for Diverse Learners

to Create Harmony and Minimize Interethnic Conflict.” The Journal of Negro Education 68.4 (1999): 496-510. Web.

• Gayton, Jorge. “Choosing Democracy: A practical guide to multicultural education.” Contemporary Education 70.3. pg. 60.

• Gainsley, S. (2013). Building Friendships in Preschool. Retrieved January 24, 2016, from http://www.highscope.org/file/newsandinformation/extensions/extvol27no1_highrez.pdf.