Building strong relationships with students should be every teachers number 1 priority. Positive teacher-student relationships create a supportive and engaging learning environment that promotes academic success, social-emotional well-being, and lifelong learning. As a teacher, there will be times when you'll need to challenge your students' choices or behaviors in the classroom. However, by investing time and energy into building strong connections with them, you'll be able to navigate these necessary classroom interactions with greater ease, and withstand any temporary strains on your relationship that may arise.
One framework that can be helpful for building these fortified relationships is the Sound Relationship House Theory. The Sound Relationship House Theory is a framework for building and maintaining healthy relationships, created by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. The theory is based on the idea that relationships are like houses, and just like a house, they need a strong foundation to stand the test of time. The Sound Relationship House model consists of seven levels or components, each of which represents a critical aspect of a healthy relationship. In this blog post, we'll explore how this framework can be applied to building positive teacher-student relationships.
Level 1: Get to know your students
The first level of the Sound Relationship House is building love maps, which involves getting to know your students on a deeper level. As a teacher, take some time to learn their names and something interesting about them. Ask them about their hobbies, interests, and experiences outside of school. This will not only help you understand your students better, but it'll also show them that you care about them as individuals and build trust and respect.
Level 2: Show appreciation
The second level of the Sound Relationship House is sharing fondness and admiration. It's essential to show appreciation and admiration for your students regularly. Instead of focusing on what students are doing wrong, focus on what they're doing right. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small, and show them that you believe in their abilities.
Level 3: Connect with your students
The third level of the Sound Relationship House is turning toward each other instead of away. Teachers can connect with their students by providing opportunities for them to share how their lesson links to their experiences, hobbies, and interests. When students feel seen and heard, they're more likely to engage in the learning process and feel valued as individuals.
Level 4: Stay positive
The fourth level of the Sound Relationship House is the positive perspective. Teachers can cultivate a positive perspective by seeing the best in their students and assuming good intentions. Even when students make mistakes or misbehave, try to view their behavior through a positive lens.
Level 5: Manage conflicts
The fifth level of the Sound Relationship House is managing conflict. When conflicts arise, it's important to handle them in a healthy, respectful, and productive way. Encourage students to express their feelings and concerns, and listen to them with an open mind. Try to find a solution that works for both parties and emphasizes understanding, compromise, and mutual respect.
Level 6: Support students' dreams
The sixth level of the Sound Relationship House is making life dreams come true. Teachers can support their students' goals, dreams, and aspirations by providing opportunities for them to explore their interests and talents. Encourage them to pursue their passions, and provide guidance and support along the way.
Level 7: Create a community
The seventh level of the Sound Relationship House is creating shared meaning. Teachers can do this by sharing their values and goals with their students and working together on a shared vision for the future. Create rituals and traditions that promote a sense of community and belonging. Encourage students to share their ideas and opinions and create a classroom culture that values diversity, inclusivity, and empathy.
The Sound Relationship House model can be a valuable tool for teachers to build positive relationships with their students. By getting to know them, showing appreciation, connecting with them, staying positive, managing conflicts, supporting their dreams, and creating a community, teachers can create an engaging and supportive learning environment that promotes academic success and social-emotional well-being.
Want to learn more about the works of Drs. John and Julie Gottman? Be sure to visit The Gottman Institute to discover their research-based approach to relationships.
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