The many decades of research known as the science of reading have given us clarity about what to teach, the key principles of effective instruction, and the central role of reading practice in building strong literacy skills (National Reading Panel, 2000; Castles, Rastle, & Nation, 2018). Schools and districts have made significant progress by bringing evidence-based Structured Literacy instruction into classrooms, and students are reaping the benefits.
Yet while the research shows that Structured Literacy works, teaching reading is never just about methods and materials. Beyond what to teach and how to teach lies another powerful piece of the equation: the human art of teaching and learning. Relationships, encouragement, and everyday interactions are the magic that transform evidence-based instruction into life-changing learning for students and teachers alike.
Relationships Matter
When students feel trusted and respected, they're more engaged, achieve more, and adjust better to school overall (Roorda, et al., 2017). A student who feels seen and supported is far more likely to take academic risks, stay motivated, and persist when reading is hard. For striving readers especially, a positive relationship with their teacher can be the difference between shutting down and leaning in to learning.
So what do strong relationships look like in practice? It’s usually the small, everyday choices that add up.
Positive Relationships in the Classroom
Greeting students by name, showing genuine interest in their lives, and using an encouraging tone of voice all help create a classroom climate where students feel welcome and want to learn (Kaufman & Sandilos, 2025). When teachers give feedback that emphasizes growth and effort, rather than just pointing out mistakes, students are more likely to persist. Together, these small, consistent signals send a clear message: You belong here and your learning matters.
Practical Steps for Every Classroom
Research highlights specific actions teachers can take to strengthen student relationships and create a positive culture (Kaufman & Sandilos, 2025):
- Get to know your students: Learn their interests, backgrounds, and strengths, and connect instruction to what matters to them.
- Offer help that fits the need: Whether it’s extra practice with a skill or a quiet space to work, support feels most meaningful when it’s responsive.
- Hold high expectations while staying warm: Balancing rigor with encouragement has powerful effects on both students and teachers (Sandilos, Rimm-Kaufman, and Cohen, 2017).
- Make feedback personal and kind: Highlight what students have accomplished and make sure your words, tone, and body language convey genuine care.
- Model the climate you want: Respectful, kind interactions can become the standard students adopt with each other.
- Build peer connections: Encourage students to support one another and foster a sense of community to strengthen the whole classroom.
Good for Teachers Too
The benefits don’t stop with students. Teachers who experience positive, supportive relationships with their students also report more motivation, higher engagement, and a lower risk of burnout (Wang, et al., 2024). The daily connections that lift students also energize teachers with a deeper sense of purpose and satisfaction.
A Powerful Blend
Structured Literacy provides a clear, proven roadmap for teaching reading in a way that works for all students. The approach is critical for striving readers, including students with dyslexia. Yet it's the human elements—relationships, trust, and encouragement—that enliven a classroom, spark enjoyment, and fuel lasting learning. When the science of reading is paired with the art of teaching, students grow into strong, confident readers and teachers find satisfaction in knowing their work is changing lives.
