Student Wellbeing: Building Meaningful Connections in 2025: Eight Strategies for Supporting Students From Day 1

This blog was written from an in-depth conversation between Jase Williams, Trauma Informed Expert /TEDx Speaker and Linewize Wellbeing Specialist Andrew Sylvester on the importance of building connections, with our young people as early as possible in the school year to promote student wellbeing, engagement, and academic success from the very first day.

With the new school year upon us, educators face the challenge of not just teaching academic content but also addressing the complex emotional and social needs of students.

The start of a new school year presents a fresh opportunity to build relationships that lay the foundation for positive learning experiences. 

This blog post explores a range of strategies to help educators foster meaningful connections with students from day 1.  The eight strategies below can help in ensuring that every student feels heard, valued, and supported.

1. Establish meaningful relationships early
   One of the most critical aspects of a successful school year is creating a safe, supportive, and trusting environment where students feel a sense of belonging. Building trust with students at the start of the year is essential. When students feel safe and understood, they are more likely to engage meaningfully in their education.
   
   Establishing relationships goes beyond academic achievement - it's about recognising students as whole individuals with unique experiences and needs. Teachers can create a space where students feel empowered to be themselves rather than conforming to a standard. This approach fosters a culture of respect, where students feel comfortable seeking help when needed.
   
   
2. Address emotional needs and trauma-informed practices
   Emotional safety must be prioritised alongside academic development. For many students, particularly those coming from difficult home environments, trust can be a major barrier to seeking support. Trauma can deeply affect a student’s ability to communicate openly with adults, making it even more important for schools to implement trauma-informed practices.
   
   Trauma-informed approaches involve recognising the signs of trauma and creating spaces where students feel safe to express their emotions without judgment. A daily emotional check-in where students are invited to reflect on their feelings can be a simple yet effective way to identify emotional needs early on. These check-ins provide valuable insights that can help teachers respond with the right level of support and care, ensuring that students feel seen and heard.
   
   
3. The role of technology in supporting student wellbeing
   While face-to-face interactions are crucial, technology can play an essential role in supporting emotional wellbeing, particularly for students who may struggle to communicate openly in person. For example, platforms like Pulse, a tool designed to allow students to check in on their emotional state, offer a safe, non-judgmental space for students to express themselves.
   
   For students who are still building trust with adults, tools like Pulse can offer an avenue to communicate how they’re feeling, without the pressure of face-to-face interaction. The information is then shared with relevant staff, ensuring that students receive timely support. This technology helps bridge the gap for those who may feel uncomfortable reaching out directly to a teacher, especially at the beginning of the school year when relationships are still forming.
   
   In addition to offering emotional support, Pulse can play a role in increasing student voice, which is a critical aspect of ensuring students feel their needs are heard and acted upon. In schools, creating platforms where students can express their feelings helps foster a culture of openness and respect.
   
   

4. Shift from reaction to reflection in student responses
   Too often, educators react to student behaviour impulsively, particularly when students exhibit challenging behaviours. Instead of seeing problematic behaviours as disruptions, educators can use these moments as opportunities to better understand the underlying emotional or academic struggles that might be at play.
   
   A reflective approach requires educators to consider the 'why' behind their reactions. By shifting from a reactive to a reflective mindset, teachers can approach student behaviour with greater empathy and understanding. This is especially important for students who have experienced trauma, as their behaviours may be a result of past experiences.
   
   

5. The importance of student voice in building connections
   The term 'student voice' is widely used in education, but it’s crucial to understand that it’s not just about hearing what students say - it’s about creating opportunities for them to actively participate in shaping their educational experience. Giving students the space to be their authentic selves and make decisions is essential for fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
   
   However, there’s a tension here: while we encourage students to express themselves, we must also ensure that they are heard and respected. Educators need to create an environment where students feel safe to voice their opinions, even if those opinions challenge the status quo. This process of creating space for student agency goes beyond classroom rules or superficial activities - it’s about building trust over time and ensuring that students feel genuinely valued.
   
   

6. Create safe spaces for students to ask for help
   Educators need to provide students with a safe space where they can seek help when they need it. For many students, particularly those who are shy or introverted, the idea of asking for help directly from a teacher can be daunting. This is where platforms like Pulse can play a crucial role in making help more accessible.
   
   Importantly, students don’t just need to know who to ask for help - they need to feel safe enough to do so. While some students may reach out for help after being prompted, others may take more time, testing the system multiple times before they feel comfortable enough to disclose personal struggles. Through consistent use of emotional check-ins, teachers can track patterns and identify students who may need additional support.
   
   
7. The role of peer support and distributed care
   Every student needs to have someone they feel safe with, whether it's a teacher, a friend, or a staff member. Encouraging students to support each other can help create a more inclusive atmosphere where students feel cared for and understood.
   
   This concept of 'distributed care' ensures that emotional support isn't the responsibility of just one person. While one teacher or staff member can make a significant impact, the collective support of the entire school community strengthens the emotional safety net available to each student.
   
   
8. Respond to student needs with compassion
   Ultimately, the goal is to create an environment where students feel empowered to ask for help when they need it. The journey towards this goal requires a long-term commitment to fostering trust, building relationships, and responding to students' needs in a compassionate and non-judgmental way.
   
   Technology can help facilitate this process, but it's the genuine human connection that underpins meaningful student support. When students feel seen, heard, and understood. Whether through face-to-face conversations or digital check-ins they are more likely to thrive emotionally and academically.
   

Conclusion
Creating safe, supportive learning environments for the future

As we look ahead, it’s clear that the success of our students depends not only on academic achievement but also on the quality of the relationships we build with them. By fostering emotional safety, embracing technology that supports wellbeing, and listening to student voices, we can create an environment where every student feels valued and supported.

The future of education should focus on holistic wellbeing, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. With the right tools, practices, and commitment to building strong, trust-based relationships, we can create schools where students feel empowered to succeed in the classroom and in life.