In _The Connection-Driven Classroom_, Kevin Curtis offers a transformative approach to classroom management by emphasising the power of relationships over rigid discipline. With practical tools that can be implemented in just minutes a day, this book provides educators with actionable strategies to boost student engagement and reduce behavioral issues without overhauling lesson plans. Through techniques like the "Meet & Greet" and "60-Second Relate Break," Curtis shows how small, intentional moments of connection can create a supportive, thriving learning environment where every student feels valued. Praised by educational leaders for its practicality and impact, this book is an essential resource for teachers seeking to foster meaningful relationships that drive both academic success and personal growth. Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned educator, _The Connection-Driven Classroom_ offers a compelling blueprint for transforming your classroom dynamics one genuine connection at a time. It really made me think again about my practice.

I think this author meant well but this wasn't really groundbreaking work. A quick google AI search could tell you to do all this stuff, and most teachers could tell you these and 100 other thing they do to connect with their students. I think it's obvious this author hasn't been in the classroom in quite a while. He focuses a lot on connections over content but fails to realize that the teachers are losing less and less control over the content being taught in their class. The author also fails to take into account differentiation for students who would HATE some of these activities. I can think of 10 of my students who would rather fall out of their chair than stand and talk in front of the class, especially about themselves.

Overall, I don't think this is going to add anything practical to my teaching, and this author sounds like a presenter that would have me calling in sick on PD day.

This book is a fantastic resource for educators, offering quick and practical ways to connect with students. Each connection strategy is detailed with practical tips and differentiation options for how to implement it. I love that the connection activities only take about two minutes each, which means they can be done consistently throughout the year rather than a long, isolated SEL activity one day. Curtis’ experience as an educator means he knows teachers’ and students’ reality - what they really want and need in order to connect.

The first parts of the book explain the “why” behind connection; it is safe to assume educators already have some sense of that if they want to read this book, but there were will some good reminders. The “how” - the strategies for connection - has some strategies teachers likely already know, but I learned some new things too! Curtis also reminds teachers that they should be willing to do activities along with students.

This book is a must-read for new teachers and teachers who want to better connect with students so their classrooms can fire on “all cylinders” (Curtis has a gift for great metaphors to explain concepts)! Thank you to NetGalley, Tasfil Publishing, and Victory Editing Co-op for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions. This review is cross-posted on Goodreads, Amazon, and Instagram.