15 Activities to Build Stronger Tutor-Student Relationships

As a tutor, one key objective is establishing a strong rapport with your students. When students feel connected and comfortable with their tutors, they are more likely to actively engage in the learning process and achieve better outcomes. In this article, we’ll explore various relationship-building activities that can help you forge meaningful connections with your students while promoting academic growth.

15 Fun Activities to Build Stronger Tutor-Student Relationships

1. Icebreaker Questions:
   

   Start each tutoring session with a lighthearted icebreaker question. For example, ask, “If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?” This simple activity encourages open communication and lets you get to know your students personally.
   
   

2. Two Truths and a Lie:
   

   Take turns sharing two true statements and one false statement about yourselves. Challenge your student to guess which statement is the lie. This activity encourages critical thinking and creates a fun and interactive atmosphere.
   
   

3. Picture Sharing:
   

   Ask each person to bring a picture representing something important or memorable. Share the pictures and explain their significance. This activity provides insight into your students’ interests and experiences, fostering a deeper understanding between you.
   
   

4. Goal Setting:
   

   Set academic or personal goals together and discuss strategies to achieve them. Whether it’s improving a specific subject or developing study habits, goal setting instills a sense of purpose and motivation. Revisit these goals periodically to track progress and celebrate milestones together.
   
   

5. Learning Preferences:
   

   Engage in a conversation about learning preferences and styles. Share how each person learns best and explore ways to incorporate those preferences into your tutoring sessions. By adapting your teaching approach, you create an inclusive environment that caters to individual needs.
   
   

6. Mind Mapping:
   

   Create a collaborative mind map or concept map related to your study topic. Encourage your students to contribute ideas and connections. This activity promotes active learning, critical thinking, and a sense of ownership over the material.
   
   

7. Cooperative Games:
   

   Introduce quick, cooperative games like “Two Truths and a Lie Relay” or “Word Association Challenge.” These games require teamwork and communication, fostering trust and cooperation between you and your student.
   
   

8. Appreciation Notes:
   

   Take a moment to exchange appreciation notes or short messages with your student. Express gratitude and acknowledge each other’s efforts and progress. These small gestures can go a long way in building a positive and encouraging relationship.
   
   

9. Personal Stories:
   

   Share personal stories related to academic challenges or successes. Opening up about your own experiences creates a sense of empathy and connection, reassuring students that they are not alone in their struggles.
   
   

10. Brainstorming Sessions:
    

    Engage in brief brainstorming sessions to generate ideas or solutions related to a specific academic problem or topic. Encourage your student to contribute their thoughts and perspectives. This collaborative approach fosters creativity and critical thinking skills.
    
    

11. Timed Challenges:
    

    Set a timer and challenge each other to complete a task or solve a problem within a specific time limit. This friendly competition can be a fun way to build teamwork, resilience, and a sense of achievement.
    
    

12. Interest Sharing:
    

    Take turns sharing a favorite book, movie, hobby, or interest outside of academics. Discuss similarities and differences in interests, creating a bond beyond the confines of the tutoring relationship.
    
    

13. Reflection Journals:
    

    Encourage your students to maintain a reflection journal where they can write about their tutoring experiences, challenges, and breakthroughs. This practice promotes self-awareness.
    
    

14. Virtual Field Trips:
    

    Take virtual field trips together to explore museums, historical sites, or natural wonders. Discuss what was learned and share impressions. This interactive activity broadens students’ knowledge, creates shared experiences, and sparks interesting discussions.
    
    

15. Collaborative Projects:
    

    Work on short collaborative projects that align with the subject being studied. It could be a joint research assignment, a presentation, or a creative task. Collaborating on a project encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and shared accomplishments.

Remember, these activities should be tailored to suit your students’ age, interests, and learning goals. Feel free to adapt and customize them accordingly. They can also be tweaked for in-person tutoring. The key is to create a positive and engaging environment that fosters connection and enhances the learning experience.

Incorporating these relationship-building activities into your tutoring sessions creates a warm, supportive atmosphere that strengthens the tutor-student bond. Building a strong relationship with your students helps them feel valued and understood and enables them to thrive academically.

So, go ahead and try out these fun activities with your students. Watch as they become more enthusiastic, actively participate in their learning, and achieve better outcomes. Together, you’ll embark on an exciting educational journey filled with growth, connection, and success.

Learn More:

• The Power of Small Group Instruction
• Building Strong Tutor-Student Relationships for Academic Success