How Can You Help Your Students Open Up More

Developing relationships with students can be challenging, especially when you are working with them through a screen. Having a strong foundation of trust with your students is one of the number one ways to cultivate a willingness to learn. Check out a few of our simple yet effective strategies to help your students open up more and create an environment of trust, even in a virtual environment. 

Start with a Greeting 

This might be an obvious tip, but as soon as you get on your virtual learning platform, start by greeting your student. This is one of the most critical steps to gaining trust and establishing an initial relationship with your students. A simple greeting and introductory conversation can make your students feel more at ease, eventually allowing them to feel at ease with opening up and being fully themselves. 

Here are a few helpful icebreaker questions to start off your session with: 

• What’s your favorite ice cream flavor? 
• Do you have any hidden talents? 
• What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done? 
• Where’s your favorite place in the world? 

Be the First to Share 

Students with speech and language difficulties can initially come across as shy because they may use very simple words, phrases, or sentences to communicate. If you want your students to share about themselves, start by leading by example and sharing about yourself. This will allow them to open up and be more willing to share. 

Celebrate Achievements 

Celebrating achievements with positive reinforcement will automatically create a space of trust and will allow your students to feel more comfortable with opening up to you. A few ways that you can celebrate achievements during your virtual session are: 

• Send a note via email or mail to your student 
• Celebrate with verbal praise on the spot 
• Create a virtual badge system on your student’s learning profile 

Working with students and helping them reach their fullest potential is one of the most rewarding jobs. Even though it can be difficult to establish trust and get your students to open up, it is possible. For more teletherapy tips and articles, check out our blog here.