Breaking the Ice
Showing students that you care enough to learn their names on the first day of school and to find out about their personal interests is essential in building long lasting relationships. Establishing these relationships early on will pay off throughout the school year.
Research has shown that students will perform for their teachers if they know that their teacher cares about them. Teachers who build strong relationships with their students also have fewer behavior management issues.There are many ways to show students that you care and put them at ease in their new setting. Something as simple as learning their name on the first day, or making an introductory phone call before the first day of school can go a long way and make a lasting impression on both the student and the caregiver. If you are fortunate enough to know your class list with enough time, mailing an introductory post card can also help break the ice before that first day.
How do you get students to get to know each other and form that classroom bond and “family” atmosphere? Click on the links below for ice breaker activities you can use with your student.