As the school year begins, we are all preparing for a different way of schooling, whether that be in a building, or on a screen.  Luckily, many of us have a few months of distance learning under our belts, but now, we’re starting over with students we have yet to meet, not ones that have sat across our tables for months.

So, how can we connect with these students?  How can we build effective relationships for the year?  Here are my thoughts:

1. Start with something fun:  As I shared in my post about distance counseling sessions, I found that my sessions were infinitely better when I started with an engaging, fun game or activity.  Students were happier, and talked and participated more.  My favorites are Pictionary and Zoom in, but you can do whatever is appropriate for your grade level(s).  100% worth it in the end, and takes just a few minutes of time.
2. Embrace the home “classroom”:  When I first started virtual learning, I would get SO stressed out every time my baby was screaming in the next room, or my children inevitably  entered the room asking for their 50th snack of the day.  But then, I started realizing that parents on the other end felt the same way.  Dogs barked throughout our sessions, connections were lost, times were double booked, and bathroom breaks were requested.  Instead of trying to make things perfect, laugh it off, and embrace the chaos!  This is a global pandemic, and we’re all in it together.
3. Reach out to parents:  When distance learning first began, I was constantly emailing and calling parents, to check in, remind them of sessions, etc..  Then, I felt like I was being a pain, so I held back a bit.  Well, guess what happened?  Sessions were forgotten, or things slipped through the cracks.  In the end, I ended up connecting with most of my parents weekly.  As a parent myself, I cannot think of anyone who couldn’t use extra support in this unprecedented time.
4. Establish a check in time:  You guys know that I am a huge proponent of an emotional check in.  It just provides so much in terms of meeting students where they are at.  I found that during distance learning, this was especially important.  I actually did two:  one weekly in my Google Slides lessons, and one virtual live.  I actually found the the Google Slides was the most helpful because students were the most honest in typing what was going on.  I would always comment and respond back to them, and then talk about it at our next virtual live.
5. Use what they know and love:  One thing I really loved was getting an actual peek into the world that my students have talked about for years…their homes!  I got to see their shelves of figurines, “meet” their dogs, see their backyards…it was the best!  It allowed me another level of insight into them.  For new students, I plan to start out with “friend files” as we normally do, and then, talk to parents about them showing off a favorite pet, toy, or their work space in their homes.

What are your plans for your students this Fall?