Relationships first: Why connecting with students matters at the start of the school year

As the new school year begins and the pace picks up with schedules, standards and systems, it can be tempting to dive headfirst into curriculum and classroom routines. But amid the rush of rosters and lesson plans, there’s one element that should rise to the top of every teacher’s priority list: Relationships.

Whether you’re a veteran educator or stepping into the classroom for the first time, building strong, authentic relationships with students is the foundation for everything else we hope to accomplish. The truth is simple: Students learn best when they feel safe, seen and supported. And that begins with the connections we cultivate from day one.

Relationships build trust

Students are more likely to take academic risks, share ideas and persevere through challenges when they trust the person guiding them. These relationships start with a few intentional moments at the start of the school year. Small acts like learning how to pronounce their names correctly, asking about their interests and greeting them at the door can signal to students you’re not just their teacher, but someone who genuinely cares about them as a person.

Relationships foster belonging

The beginning of the year can be filled with uncertainty and anxiety, especially for students navigating a new school, new classes or new social dynamics. By creating a classroom culture that prioritizes kindness and belonging, you can help anchor your students in a space where they feel they matter. Icebreakers, getting-to-know-you activities, shared routine and collaborative class norms are powerful tools for building that sense of community.

Relationships support behavior and engagement

Classroom management isn’t about control; it’s about connection. Students who feel connected to their teacher are more likely to be engaged, cooperative and invested in their learning. When missteps happen (as they certainly will), a foundation of trust allows for redirection, reflection and growth, rather than punishment and power struggles.

Relationships impact learning

Research continues to affirm what many teachers already know: Relationships matter for academic outcomes. Students who feel known and valued perform better across subject areas. When they know you believe in them, they start to believe in themselves.

Five tips for building strong relationships

As we enter this new school year, here are five tips for building strong relationships with your students in the first few weeks of school:

1. Learn names quickly, and use them often. It’s a small gesture that carries big meaning.

2. Be visible and present. Greet students at the door, walk around during work time and engage in hallway conversations.

3. Invite student voices. Ask for input on classroom procedures, learning goals or classroom activities.

4. Share a bit of yourself. Let students see your humanity. Share your hobbies, your sense of humor, your journey. Let them see you as a person who cares enough to share about yourself.

5. Follow through. Follow through on classroom procedures and day-to-day discipline. Beyond classroom management, if you say you’ll check in with a student or attend their game, do it. Relationships grow through consistency.

As educators, we teach more than content; we teach people. And as we prepare students for success in school and life, it’s the human connections we build that leave the most lasting impact.

So, as you set up your classroom and fine-tune your syllabi, remember: The most important thing you do this year might not be what you teach, but how you make your students feel.

In what ways are you building relationships in the classroom this year? Share your ideas with us at Arizona PBS Kids on Facebook.

About the author

RikkiLynn Archibeque is in her 11th year of teaching in Arizona and has a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Notre Dame, a master’s degree in secondary education from Indiana University and a master’s degree in learning sciences from Arizona State University.

She currently teaches high school history and government and is a cross country and track and field coach. She is also the wife of a high school administrator, Jake, and the mom of a gifted third grader, Cruz.