Fostering Positive Relationships in the Classroom for ELL and General Education Students

Abstract

Fostering positive relationships in the classroom for English language learners (ELLs) and general education students can be challenging at the elementary level. Oftentimes, teachers assume that students already know how to build strong friendships and obtain positive communication skills. Research shows that social skills help students build positive relationships which need to be taught and practiced effectively. Elementary students require these skills to navigate ways to connect with peers and communicate effectively with one another. In fact, classroom relations hold great value for social-emotional learning, academic performance, and their attitude toward school. Thus, by prioritizing teacher-student relationships and peer relationships in the classroom, there can be many positive impacts to the student’s education. This capstone offers a professional development (PD), where teachers will learn about the importance of fostering positive relationships in the classroom for ELLs and general education students. They will also learn effective strategies to implement in their own classrooms. At the end of this PD, teachers will have a repertoire of effective strategies to foster relationships in their classroom among peers and between teachers and students. Ultimately, educators will learn to improve classroom community by fostering positive relationships.