Teachers and Families Working Together to Support Students

Even in this new territory of virtual and at-home learning, student-teacher relationships, along with family engagement, are as important as ever. In addition to supporting students in learning, educators now have an opportunity to expand on these mentoring relationships, and many parents and guardians will welcome the extra support. Using the categories of the Developmental Relationships Framework, here are some ways educators can build upon relationships with young people in virtual interactions:

Express Care: In virtual learning sessions or check ins, take time to ask youth how they are doing, listen to them and ask follow-up questions. Tell them that you’re happy to see and talk to them. Thank them for getting on and talking to you and recognize any work they’ve done or any achievements – even those not related to school and learning – they’ve had since you talked last.

Challenge Growth: Remember that, even through virtual learning, there are ways to creatively challenge and engage youth. If you feel at a loss for ideas, survey the youth you’re working with to learn what they’re excited about, ideas they have or what they’ve seen being done. Now is a great opportunity to work together to create a positive and collective learning environment.

Provide Support: Help youth make a plan for what they’re going to do the rest of the day and week. Break it up into small and manageable things in order to set them up for success. Make sure to include fun activities like playing and rewards or incentives for accomplishing goals! Keep in mind that all students’ situations are different. Some of these situations may be more conducive to at-home learning than others. Try and remain flexible and meet each youth where they’re at and understand that each of their goals and accomplishments will look very different.  

Expand Possibilities: Help youth find and access opportunities for curiosity and exploration. Integrate virtual field trips, outdoor activity and household tasks. Youth can learn about music through a free streaming of the symphony, English and literature through watching a play online.

We can be creative and work with youth and their families to expand on the ways we think about learning and education. Remember to talk to the young people in your life -- they’re the best experts on what they need and how we can support and care for them.

For more information on the Developmental Relationships Framework, take a look at this resource from the Search Institute.