Teachers have an important responsibility in children’s lives. They help shape a child’s experience and understanding of the world and how to learn and live in it. A preschool teacher, specifically, plays a significant role as one of the earliest role models in a child’s life.
We discuss the importance of good, strong child-teacher relationships at preschool and the essential role preschool teachers play in a child’s development.
Preschool teachers can help to set children up for a successful school career, and even for life beyond that. Dr Jenny Wright, pre- and primary school curriculum head at Curro Holdings says preschool teachers can have a profound influence on how a child engages with learning.
She stresses the importance of parents understanding the vital role their child’s preschool teacher will play and the psychological element of a good “match”.
a foundation for positive learning
Preschool teachers often provide children with their first formal learning experience and establish a sense of security, trust, and willingness to learn at school. “A positive relationship sets the stage for a supportive learning environment, where children feel encouraged to explore, grow and thrive,” says Dr Wright.
The benefits of a strong teacher-child relationship are transformative. Children who experience positive relationships with their teachers tend to have improved social and emotional development, increased academic achievement, enhanced self-esteem, better behaviour and stronger communication skills.
signs of a positive relationship between a child and their teacher
“A positive experience can foster a love for learning, while a negative experience can lead to difficulties in future academic settings. As teachers, we have a responsibility to ensure that every child feels seen, heard, safe and supported from the very beginning,” says Bianca Moses, preschool head at St Dominics, Newcastle.
If a child is happy and excited to come to school, parents can be assured their child feels comfortable being there – evidence of a warm and caring teacher-child relationship, says Dr Wright.
“I recommend that parents observe teacher interactions during a school tour and ask about teacher training and qualifications. It’s also important that parents know what type of curriculum the school offers and what they value in early education. Looking at the classroom environment will also give them an indication of the care shown by the teacher,” she adds.
Read our article on choosing the right school for more insight.
how teachers foster a positive relationship
Teachers can build strong relationships by engaging in play, using positive communication, and offering individualised support. Activities like circle time, storytelling, small group work and one-on-one time also help foster connections. By prioritising relationship-building, teachers create a supportive learning environment.
Murrae Rypstra, an early childhood development practitioner at Curro Aurora, says a teacher can do several things to cultivate a positive relationship with their learners. “Show genuine interest in the child and what they are doing or saying. Offer lots of positive reinforcement and praise. Always show empathy and let the children feel validated when they are sharing big emotions,” she says.
when to be concerned
Dr Wright says that a parent should be concerned if their child is continually unhappy about attending school and the teacher is not showing any interest in helping the child settle and enjoy or be excited about school.
Non-verbal cues are important, especially with younger children. Other signs that a child may not be fond of their teacher include:
- Complaints or negative comments about the teacher.
- Changes in behaviour or moods, such as becoming more withdrawn or aggressive.
- Lack of enthusiasm for school activities or projects.
- Parent-teacher communication is lacking or unsatisfactory.
Every child is unique, and the bonding process will depend on a child’s personality, the teacher’s approach and the quality of interactions. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for a child to develop a bond with their preschool teacher. However, when a child has a genuine connection with their teacher, it can have a positive impact on them for the rest of their lives.
