As educational therapists working in small group settings, we have a unique opportunity to forge deep, meaningful connections with our students. In our classes, these relationships become the foundation upon which all learning is built. When students feel genuinely supported by their therapist, they become less afraid of making mistakes and more willing to speak up, overcome challenges, and grow in confidence throughout their learning journey.

1. Building Trust Through Personal Interest

The supportive setting of small group therapy allows us to truly see each student as an individual. Taking genuine interest in their hobbies, favourite books, or weekend activities sends a powerful message: you matter, and I care about who you are beyond your learning challenges.

Some tips include:

• Starting each session with a brief check-in about something personal to each student
• Remembering details from previous conversations and following up on them
• Incorporating students’ interests into reading materials and writing prompts
• Celebrating personal milestones alongside academic achievements

When a student knows their therapist remembers their love for dinosaurs or their excitement about a family trip, trust begins to flourish. This trust becomes the bridge that helps students navigate difficult phonics patterns, tackle challenging comprehension passages, and persist through writing struggles. Research shows that personal connections and individualized attention are key drivers of student engagement and motivation (Barbour, 2019).

2. Fostering Collaborative Learning and Social Support

Small group dynamics create natural opportunities for peer interaction and mutual support. Students learn not only from their therapist but also from each other, developing both academic and social skills simultaneously.

Some effective collaborative approaches include:

• Partner reading activities where students support each other’s fluency development
• Group brainstorming sessions for writing topics and story ideas
• Peer feedback circles for sharing written work
• Collaborative games that reinforce phonics patterns and sight words
• Discussion-based comprehension activities that value different perspectives

These collaborative experiences help students realize they are not alone in their learning journey. They witness peers facing similar challenges and celebrate collective successes, building a sense of community and shared purpose. Studies highlight that collaborative group work enhances both comprehension and social skills for diverse learners (Moore et al., 2019).

3. Individual Attention

The power of small group settings lies in the ability to provide truly individualized attention. Unlike traditional classroom environments, educational therapy allows for real-time assessment, immediate feedback, and personalized instruction that meets each student exactly where they are.

Some key elements of individual attention include:

• Conducting ongoing informal assessments to track each student’s progress
• Adjusting instruction mid-session based on student responses and needs
• Providing immediate, specific feedback on reading attempts and writing efforts
• Using multi sensory approaches tailored to individual learning preferences
• Setting personalised goals that reflect each student’s unique strengths and challenges

This level of individual attention ensures that no student falls through the cracks. Whether a student needs extra support with consonant blends or is ready to tackle more complex comprehension strategies, their specific needs are recognized and addressed. Evidence highlights that small group instruction fosters individualized attention, which allows educators to effectively monitor, respond to, and tailor learning experiences for diverse students, resulting in enhanced engagement and achievement (Connor et al., 2019).

4. Creating a Safe and Supportive Learning Environment

Perhaps most importantly, educational therapists have the responsibility to create an environment where students feel emotionally and academically safe. This means fostering a space where mistakes are learning opportunities, where effort is valued over perfection, and where every student feels capable of growth.

Some essential elements of a supportive environment include:

• Establishing clear, consistent routines that provide predictability and security
• Using positive reinforcement and growth-minded language\
• Normalizing mistakes as part of the learning process
• Creating opportunities for students to experience success every session
• Maintaining a calm, patient demeanour even during challenging moments
• Encouraging risk-taking in a judgement-free zone

When students feel safe, they are more likely to attempt challenging words, share their writing, and ask questions when confused. This psychological safety becomes the foundation for academic risk-taking and genuine learning. Best practices in education emphasize that safety, trust, and well-being are foundational for academic and personal growth (Kids First Services, 2025).

Moving Forward Together

The connections we build with our students extend far beyond the therapy room. These relationships model positive interactions, build social-emotional skills, and create lasting memories of feeling valued and supported. As educational therapists, we have the privilege of not just teaching literacy skills, but of nurturing confident, capable learners who understand their own worth.
Every small group session is an opportunity to strengthen these connections, and every strengthened connection becomes a pathway to greater learning success. When students feel truly seen, supported, and valued, they are empowered to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

Article written by:
Joanne Tan Shi Huey
RETA Fellow
Lead Educational Therapist

Durgeswari Mogan
RETA Associate Fellow
Lead Educational Therapist