Building positive relationships in a classroom has positive and long-lasting implications for students' academic and social development. A classroom where students demonstrate care and respect for the teacher and one another is critical. So much so, that NHA has building positive relationships as the first indicator under the Classroom Culture competency. 

Classroom Culture		Teacher leads a self-managing classroom by building positive relationships, maintaining physical space, sustaining classroom routines and procedures, and holding students accountable to behavioral expectations.
Indicators	Ineffective		Developing	Effective	Exemplary
Building Positive Relationships: Teacher builds relationships with and among students based on mutual respect, trust, and appreciation to create a safe environment for all.	A) Teacher does not attempt to build relationships or attempts at building relationships are not successful at relationally engaging students.		B) Teacher develops and teaches expectations for respectful interactions among students. C) Teacher demonstrates care and respect in interactions with all students.	D) Teacher and student interactions are intentionally planned and are focused on creating personal connections. E) Students demonstrate care and respect for the teacher and one another.	F) Students collaborate and engage in positive, supportive relationships with one another.

The descriptor under effective states, “Teacher and student interactions are intentionally planned and are focused on creating personal connections.” It’s important to focus on the phrases intentionally plan and personal connections. How do you intentionally plan to get to know your students daily? NHA recommends Good News. Most of you are familiar with Good News, but if you’re not or need a refresher, click on the link Good News OnCourse Video. 

Good News is not the only way to intentionally plan personal connections with your students. Some people use restorative circles with a question of the day. You can pose a question to your class and pass an object around until everyone has answered the question. Another idea is called “whiteboard questions” where you write a question on the whiteboard and students can write his or her answer on the board or a post-it. You could call on students and have them verbally share or you could record their responses.