How to build relationships with students as an elementary school substitute teacher.

One of the best parts about substitute teaching in elementary school is the ability to build relationships with students. When you take the time to connect with them, you’ll find classroom management is much easier, and students are more engaged in learning. 

While some classroom management strategies work for many age groups, some are more specific to certain developmental levels. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the ways that you can build relationships with students at the elementary level. 

Warmth and affection.

Showing genuine warmth can be a key part of your elementary classroom management. Research shows that warmth and affection can help elementary-age children develop trusting relationships, which can be especially important when you’re a new face in their classroom. Offering your warmest smile and voice to students — especially when they’re feeling shy — can help create a sense of safety and comfort. 

Some ways that you can increase the warmth in your classroom include: 

• Interacting with students as they move through learning centers. 

• Celebrating when students make new discoveries and connections. 

• Walking around and chatting with students individually as they work. 

• Laughing with students when something out of the ordinary happens. 

• Smiling as often as you can (even when it’s hard). 

Positive reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement improves behavioral outcomes and creates a more positive classroom experience. In contrast to punitive classroom management methods, positive reinforcement helps to encourage students to continue good behaviors.

Telling students what they’re doing right doesn’t just let them know they’re on the right track — it can also encourage students who are struggling to start moving in the right direction. This approach can help students see that positive behaviors garner attention more than acting out. 

Some ways to use positive reinforcement to build relationships with students in your classroom include: 

Be consistent. When you use positive reinforcement regularly, students know what to expect. 

Be specific. Instead of telling a student they’re showing great behavior, it may be more effective to say something like, “Rashik, I love how you’re double-checking your work,” or “Erica, you’ve done a great job following directions this afternoon.” 

Acknowledge great work often. Verbal praise, giving a thumbs up, or handing out stickers (if they are provided by the classroom teacher and you have their permission to distribute them to students) can help students feel recognized for a job well done. 

Consistency and routine.

Whenever possible, stick to classroom routines. At this age, predictability is key for helping students feel comfortable and secure. When they see that much of their day will look the same as normal despite having a different adult in the room, they may be able to relax and focus on learning more easily. 

If you have questions about the normal classroom routine, talking to a teacher or administrator can provide you with insight on how to stick to the normal structure of the day. If you can talk to the classroom teacher in advance of when you’ll be substitute teaching, asking them for a quick rundown of the daily schedule and classroom routines can help increase continuity. 

Engaging activities.

When possible, incorporating songs and games into the day can help students feel positive, comfortable, and engaged with the learning process. While there’s no need to turn all aspects of the day into a game, doing so occasionally can help increase student buy-in. Small prizes, incentives (like letting the team who wins a review game line up first for recess), and simple bragging rights can all help students engage in games and activities. 

If you’re willing and able, encouraging students as they play at recess can work wonders for building relationships. Cheering your students on during their game of soccer, basketball, or tag can help them see another side of you. 

Active listening. 

Often, students are simply looking for a listening ear. As a substitute teacher, one of the most meaningful ways to connect with students is simply showing that you care about what they have to say. 

Try following these active listening tips to show your elementary students that you’re fully engaged when they’re talking: 

• Make eye contact. Looking directly at a student when they’re talking and resisting the temptation to multi-task can help them see that you’re listening. 

• Avoid interrupting. We get it — sometimes, students (especially younger elementary students) can tell stories that go on and on. Whenever possible, avoid interrupting. If you need to interrupt, assure the student that you’ll come back to them shortly to hear the rest of their story, and be sure to actually do so. 

• Ask questions. Some questions further the story (“What happened next?”), while others work to ensure that you’re understanding the student’s perspective (“Did you feel sad when Sam took the car you were playing with?”). Both can work well to help students know they’re being heard. 

Remember — you’re learning together.

Above all, remember that elementary students are growing rapidly, and providing them with a warm, supportive environment can make all the difference. Empathy, compassion, and patience are all key to creating a classroom where students feel appreciated and welcome.  

Just as you’re learning their classroom routine and getting to know their personalities, they’re learning what it’s like to have you in their classroom. Practicing compassion and understanding can help create a positive experience for you and your students. 

Make a difference with Kelly Education.

Teaching at the elementary school level allows you to make a difference that can last a lifetime. Whether you’re already substitute teaching or just thinking about getting started, check out these articles from our library: 

• What to expect as a first-time substitute teacher 

• What are substitute teacher duties and responsibilities? 

• Lesson plans for elementary substitute teachers 

If you or someone you know is interested in substitute teaching jobs, fill out our brief interest form, and one of our recruiters will contact you to answer your questions.   

I’m interested