How To Get To Know Your Students In The First Week
- Doug Harvey
- Aug 16, 2024
- 3 min read
As teachers, one of our biggest goals is to build strong relationships with our students during the first few weeks. A solid connection helps create a positive classroom environment where learning thrives. But how do we get to know our students quickly and effectively in those first few days? Over the years, I’ve found that taking a thoughtful approach to those initial interactions can make all the difference. Here’s how I like to get to know my students during the first week of school.
1. Start with Icebreaker Activities
Icebreaker games are my go-to. They’re simple, engaging, and a great way to learn about students while letting them learn about each other. I like to pick games that encourage interaction and sharing, such as “Two Truths and a Lie,” or “Would You Rather?” (we have a free icebreaker game you can download here if you're interested). These games give students a chance to express their personalities in a low-pressure setting. By watching how students respond, I can start to get a sense of who’s more outgoing, who’s a bit shy, and who might need extra encouragement. Plus, these activities get students talking and laughing, which helps to break the ice and create a sense of community right from the start.
2. Use Interest Surveys
Interest surveys are another incredibly helpful tool for learning about what students enjoy and what motivates them. I usually give out short, fun questionnaire activities asking students about their favorite hobbies, subjects, and goals. The answers not only give me conversation starters, but they also help me tailor my lessons to topics that spark their interest. For example, if a lot of students are into sports, I might incorporate more sports-related examples into my conversations. On top of that, surveys give me insight into their learning preferences and what they might struggle with academically. The best part is, it’s a quick and easy way to gather meaningful information that I can use throughout the year.
3. Hold Class Discussions
Open class discussions are a powerful tool for getting to know your class as a whole. On the first few days, I like to start with broad, thought-provoking questions like, “What are you most excited about this year?” or “What’s something new you want to try?” I'll give the students a discussion question and let them answer the questions initially in a small group. Afterwards, we'll share answers together as a whole class. These questions not only encourage participation but also reveal a lot about each student’s personality, interests, and concerns. It’s also a great way to set the tone for a classroom environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves and sharing their thoughts.
4. Observe Interactions
While structured activities and discussions are great, there’s a lot to be learned just by observing how students interact naturally. Throughout the first week, I pay close attention to who gravitates toward whom, how they communicate with each other, and how they handle challenges. Are some students quick to offer help, while others prefer to work alone? Do certain students take on leadership roles during group tasks? These observations give me valuable insights into their personalities, strengths, and areas where they might need support (pro tip: keep notes in a spreadsheet so you don't forget!). This information helps me when setting up seating arrangements, planning group work, and deciding where extra guidance might be needed to help students feel more comfortable in the classroom.
5. Be Open and Share About Yourself
Lastly, it’s important to remember that building connections is a two-way street. I always make sure to share a bit about myself with my students during that first week. I talk about why I became a teacher, some of my hobbies, and even a few fun or quirky facts about me. By being open, I’m showing them that this classroom is a space where we can all be ourselves. When students see me as more than just their teacher but as a real person with interests and experiences, they’re more likely to let their guard down and be authentic in return. Sharing about myself also opens up opportunities for students to make connections based on shared interests or similar experiences, which only strengthens the sense of community in our classroom.
The first week is crucial for building the connections that will carry us through the school year. By mixing in fun activities, thoughtful observation, and genuine conversations, I can get to know my students better while creating a learning environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and ready to succeed. Taking the time to build those relationships early on helps set the stage for a productive and positive year ahead.
Looking for helpful teacher resources? We create easy-to-use resources that make learning fun!