One of the best investments teachers can make during the first week of school is to touch base with the parent(s) of each child in the class. Call home in the late afternoon, early evening, or over the weekend. Tell parents that you are calling everyone in the class. Introduce yourself as your child’s teacher and add that you are delighted to have their child in your class. When you explain the math goals for the year, assure parents that you will be inviting their child to engage in and enjoy math using technology, manipulatives, and real-world problem solving.

Invite parents to tell you more about their child. Then, get those pencils ready! Many parents are eager to address the invitation with a thorough response, especially because it is not in writing. You’ll learn about students’ special talents, unique issues at home, or other tidbits that are valuable to know. There is another tremendous payoff: If and when a sensitive call needs to be placed to parent, that positive relationship has already been established.