In this video, the teacher was demastrating positive relationships, she was doing so by, the time her students were walking into the classroom she was greating them, and when the students all entered she thank you them. Her doing helps builds a good relationship between the students and teacher. It helps the student feel improtant.

In what ways do we understand the importance of seemingly simple gestures like these? 

Everyone enjoys hearing when he/she does a great job or feels appreciated;  I strongly believe teachers and others in a position of power and influence should intentionally find the good in others, so they can be motivated.

Why is it important to build relationships with students?

I strongly believe building (professional) relationships with students is one way that allows them to understand that you, the teacher, cares about their well-being. 

1. How does that help you teach your content?

It seems more likely that students would be more attentive or receptive to the lesson when the students believe and know their teacher cares for them.

How do you show students that you appreciate them in your classroom?

I currently don’t teach, however, there are many ways the teacher can show appreciation to his/her students. Some of these ways are giving them a few minutes of free time, play fun educational games, find something special to do for them, such as giving them a handwritten note expressing their appreciation.

Greeting students and talking to them about things that interests them or things that they are apart of is what I believe the most important thing we as teachers can do with our students. Humans need connection and interaction in order to survive and thrive. So if  we can make a simple connnection with each student daily, that could be a smile, eye contact, simple hello or "how was your weekend?, What book are you reading at the moment? Then I feel we have achieved what we as teachers are "designed" to do.  You can also learn /gauge a lot about where or what is happening with students (socially, emotionally etc) in that simple interaction... and sometimes you just might make their day!

I think it is important to greet the students to class every morning and try to keep this as regular as possible. I also like to acknowledge students who have been away, sick or on holiday or that have something that indicates follow up later on. It is so important to develop a positive relationship with the students and this is one easy way it can be done.

In the future I plan to connect with my students as well by making sure they feel welcomed and safe in my classroom. I will encourage participation by rewarding answered questions, whether right or wrong, with words of affirmation and possibly bonus points. It is important to me that my students are engaged and active learners and that they are all comfortable talking and participating in my class.