APBSA Connect

Positive Relationships

Establishing and maintaining positive relationships is central to PBIS. Positive relationships support student learning and engagement and contribute towards a positive school climate. Having high expectations, believing that all students belong, and treating everyone with dignity are fundamental to the formation of positive relationships between staff and students.

Teachers build positive relationships with students over time by authentically showing interest and having supportive interactions. Trust is fostered when there are clear expectations and boundaries and teachers help all students to meet expectations. Simple strategies that teachers can intentionally use include greeting students, learning and using names, and acknowledging students for demonstrating positive behaviour. Acknowledge students by describing expected behaviour (e.g. “You are all writing quietly”), moving closer to students who are on task, and using non-verbal cues like giving a thumbs up.

Ways to build and maintain positive relationships

There are many simple ways for teachers to connect with students as part of regular classroom routines including:

• speaking respectfully and using positive body language

• asking about student interests and preferences

• telling students a little about yourself

• communicating your belief that they can succeed

• valuing all backgrounds and cultures

• asking for student feedback on their learning.

Resources

Positive greetings at the door is an effective strategy for increasing academic engagement, decreasing unwanted behaviour, and improving student-teacher relationships.

Use the Australian Curriculum Personal and Social Capability continuum to teach and monitor skills for positive relationships.

Cultivating positive student-teacher relationships

Positive relationships short clip

Comment

How do you build positive relationships with students? Share your examples by leaving a comment.