My Three Favorite Ways to Build Rapport with Students Online

In my tutoring space, every tool has a purpose: from flags and dice to stuffed animals and magnetic letters. Props help bring lessons to life, but it’s the strong start, the connection, and the rapport we build that make every minute truly meaningful.

When I worked in a traditional school setting, the start of each day mattered. Greeting students at the door wasn’t just routine—it was a vital part of building relationships. I learned to read so much from those first few seconds. Were they bouncing in with energy? Dragging their feet? Looking tired or withdrawn?

Sometimes a simple, “I’m glad you’re here today,” made all the difference, especially if they were returning after being absent. That small moment of connection set the tone for everything that followed.

Now that I work online, I’ve realized that same attentiveness is just as important, if not more so. A computer screen can sometimes create distance, but the good news is, rapport still translates beautifully in the virtual classroom. It just takes intention.

Even in a short 25-minute tutoring session, I make space at the beginning for a check-in. Why? Because how a student feels directly affects how they learn. If I can gauge their energy and mindset at the start, I can adapt my tone, pace, and even my examples to better meet their

needs. A quick two-minute “temperature check” can transform the flow and success of the entire lesson.

Here are my top three ways to check in with students online:

1. Emoji Emotions Check-In

I love using emojis because they’re visual, familiar, and fun. I’ll ask students to circle or draw the emoji that best represents how they’re feeling on a digital whiteboard or annotation tool.

It might be a happy face, a sleepy one, or even a silly one. For me, it’s more than just “cute”—it’s data. A sleepy emoji lets me know I may need to build in a brain break. A sad one tells me I might need to start with something encouraging before diving into the lesson.

2. Goals Preview

Once I know where they’re “at,” I share where we’re headed. I put the day’s learning goal right up front and connect it to something meaningful—whether that’s their last assessment, a skill they’ve been working on, or a larger tutoring goal their family has shared.

For example, I might say:

“Today we’re going to practice identifying evidence in a text. Remember last week when you said essays felt hard? This strategy is going to make them easier for you.”

This preview creates clarity, shows progress, and builds buy-in. Students are more motivated when they see the “why” behind what we’re doing.

3. Three Things

This one is my personal favorite. I’ll kick things off by sharing three lighthearted facts about myself, like my love for music, mango boba (with the poppers!), and travel. Then I invite students to share their three.

It always sparks conversation. Sometimes we laugh, sometimes I learn something surprising, and sometimes it becomes a thread we carry into future lessons. More importantly, it reminds students that they’re not just learners to me—they’re whole people, and I care about who they are outside of the textbook.

Why Rapport Isn’t “Extra”

Some teachers worry that spending time on rapport takes away from “real” learning. But in my experience, it’s the opposite. Rapport is the foundation.

When students feel seen, safe, and connected, they take more risks, engage more deeply, and enjoy learning more. And yes—it works, even online.

So whether you’re greeting students in a bustling hallway or a Zoom room, remember: the first few minutes can set the tone for everything that follows. Connection first, then content. Always.

✨ For Families & Organizations

If you’re looking for tutoring that goes beyond worksheets and test prep—tutoring that is responsive, student-centered, and attentive to the whole child—I’d love to connect. I specialize in creating lessons that meet students where they are, build their confidence, and help them grow in meaningful ways.

Reach out today to learn more about how personalized tutoring can support your student’s success.

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