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Building Champions: The Power of Relationships in Education

  • Jesica koli
  • 18 July 2024

Over the years, education has undergone various reforms, some helpful and others less so. Students may drop out or lose interest in school for many reasons, including poor attendance, lack of motivation, and negative peer influence. However, one often overlooked factor is the value and importance of human connection and relationships.

James Comer once said, “No significant learning can occur without a significant relationship,” while George Washington Carver emphasized, “All learning is understanding relationships.” At some point in our lives, we have all been affected by a teacher or an adult.

Some educators might argue, “I’m not paid to like the kids; I’m paid to teach, and they should learn.” However, this mindset is flawed. The reality is that children do not learn from people they dislike. Building relationships is not an innate skill—it can be developed. As Stephen Covey wisely said, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”

Simple Acts, Big Impact

Small gestures, such as apologizing to a student, can be incredibly powerful. Have you ever apologized to a child? Their reaction is often one of surprise and appreciation.

Every teacher has faced a class so academically behind that it feels overwhelming. A good teacher reflects on how to bridge the gap between where students are and where they need to be, considering both academic progress and self-esteem.

For example, imagine a student who takes a 20-question quiz and gets 18 wrong. Instead of focusing on the negative, a teacher might frame it as “+2” rather than “-18.” This simple shift encourages the child to think, “I’m not that bad,” rather than feeling completely defeated.

The Power of Communication

The way we communicate with children directly shapes the relationships we build with them. As parents and educators, can we strive for healthier relationships? Absolutely.

Will teachers like all their students? Probably not. And yet, it’s often the most challenging students who never miss a day of school. Teachers, like actors, show up and teach even when they don’t feel like it because they know that teaching and learning should bring joy—whether at school or at home.

Every Child Deserves a Champion

Imagine a world where children are unafraid to take risks, unafraid to think for themselves, and supported by someone who encourages their growth. Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and who pushes them to reach their fullest potential.

Is this work difficult? Absolutely. But it’s not impossible. As educators and parents, we can make a lasting difference.

So go ahead—build that connection with your child. Let them feel valued and loved.

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