Being Relational as a Teacher

A teacher relates to a student by connecting with him/her. This is done by acknowledging the child's existence. That last bit made me smile. "Show me a teacher who doesn't acknowledge his/her student's existence," my brain shouts internally. My first reaction is to reject it out of hand because I believe that is what makes a bad teacher; not relating to students is on par (in my mind) with instructing incorrect content. And if that's a sound judgment, then why would any teacher be guilty of doing this? 

I really don't understand why anyone would have a problem connecting with his/her audience. I want to jump to social dysfunction diagnoses. Talking at student (not connecting) is not fun. I can't see that as being very enjoyable for anyone.