On Monday, 30th June, 2025, we began the day with our usual morning routine, but I could tell that the day was going to be special. As we transitioned into our learning period, I made sure to take a break and do what I loved most connecting with my pupils on a personal level.

![IMG20250630122053.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmX5JKpwyTYimCSDY6s4JHf1cSGanLKNZkavY9yx4pi23E/IMG20250630122053.jpg)|![IMG20250630121952.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmRVNcKrDhgnjEGH9S3BLGTH96VyDDTaNEPsR6h3b8s4Hy/IMG20250630121952.jpg) ----|----

I pulled out my phone and started snapping pictures with them. Their giggles and squeals of delight filled the classroom as we took many photos, making funny faces and poses. It was moments like these that I cherished the most, watching my pupils let their guard down and simply be themselves.

As we sat together, I asked them to share stories and tell me about their friends. Their eyes lit up as they began to gist, sharing tales of adventure, family outings, and friendships. I listened intently, taking mental notes of their interests and passions.

![IMG20250630122136.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmUkfQYAe6JmFFk2BsFUoTSYt6rj3Ad7AHKTRjnkcttjHH/IMG20250630122136.jpg)|![IMG20250630122101.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmSLp9UvVGX5rCPvLvyytUX1co1wT4PSEYdj32Cmpi96eh/IMG20250630122101.jpg) ----|----

This was more than just a casual conversation, it was a deliberate effort to build trust and create a safe space for my pupils to open up. As a caring and committed teacher, I knew that it was essential to establish a strong rapport with my students, especially at a young age.

By doing so, I hoped to empower them to feel comfortable coming to me with their concerns, complaints, and challenges. I wanted them to know that they had a trusted ally in me, someone who would listen without judgment and offer guidance and support at any point in time.

![IMG20250630122140.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmZvJ12f7TjBAqTZr4jwp3jNHpUc1umKWVsihZDBELU556/IMG20250630122140.jpg)|![IMG20250630122144.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmZDrmGtYo4qcm9MmFvt6UvVLERF563Q7TRMmu29DVKtmb/IMG20250630122144.jpg) ----|----

Most importantly, I wanted to create a safe haven where they could feel protected from harm. In a world where children often face unimaginable challenges, including abuse and harassment, I knew that it was crucial to be vigilant and proactive.

By building this strong foundation of trust, I hoped to encourage my pupils to speak up if they ever felt uncomfortable or threatened. I wanted them to know that their voices mattered, that they were heard and believed.

![IMG20250630122238.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmXnTsh117CYkfE4FtHeW7CV2nz3W7nGCEyW8hw2zC3bop/IMG20250630122238.jpg)

As the day drew to a close, I looked around the classroom at the happy, chattering faces of my pupils. I felt a sense of pride and fulfillment, knowing that I had made a positive impact on their lives.

## Thank you for reading my post, I appreciate your time.