I begin the year with a dice game that we play once a day during the first week of school. I have a jumbo dice that each student takes turns rolling. Based on what number is rolled, there is a question. Here are some sample questions:
Roll a 1 - Tell us something that you did yesterday.
Roll a 2 - Tell us something that you do well.
Roll a 3 - Tell us something you learned over the summer.
Roll a 4 - Tell us something that you can't live without
Roll a 5 - Tell us something that you watch/listen to.
Roll a 6 - You chose any question above and answer it.

The next day the questions will be different. For example: something you will miss from 3rd grade, favorite TV show, favorite season, best food that your mom/dad makes, something you collect, etc.

I take notes on the answers and use them in class discussions.

Then, I start each week with rose/thorn moments. I pass around an artificial rose. Each student can share 2 roses (good moments over the last week from home or school), 2 thorns, or 1 of each. Students can pass if they do not want to share, but they can't pass two weeks in a row.

During orientation I have the students pick a desk and write their name with an expo maker. The desk is divided into 2, one side is labeled, “What questions do you have for Mr. Lassiter?” The other side is labeled, “Tell me 5 neat facts about you.” I take this information and build a PowerPoint presentation about “Our New Class.” The students then have a “task” sheet where they have to get more information about other students. I also have a sheet in their binder titled “20 Facts about Mr.Lassiter” that they have to find out by the end of the year. They cannot ask during class time but on their time. At the end of the year there is a quiz with prizes.

I spend a lot of time at the beginning of the year listening to them tell stories about themselves and their family/friends. When I was a classroom teacher, I would sit next to different students at lunch or spend time playing a game at recess with them to get to know them better. As a math interventionist, I spend the walk from their classroom to mine talking about their day and asking about anything they want to share. This has opened up the lines of communication with students and they look forward to the walk!

To build relationships with my students I have them to complete an all about me worksheet. I also have one about myself. It is great to have the students explain their worksheet and I can comment on it. I let them know that they are free to voice their opinions in my classroom. We also do classroom circles which allow the students to share their thoughts and ideas.

Consistency! Consistency in both words and actions. Let your yes be yes and your no be no.

Building strong, trusting relationships with students involves actively listening to them and showing genuine interest in their lives. I strive to be consistent in my expectations and responses, creating a secure environment where students know what to expect. By celebrating their successes and being approachable, I make sure they feel valued and supported. Modeling respectful behavior and incorporating their cultural backgrounds into our learning further strengthens our connection.