Home Visits Are Essential! Do Them!

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This educator amazes me, since he tries to visit so many of his large caseload of high schoolers' homes! I try to make sure to conduct home visits at the beginning of the year-- if before school starts, it puts students, parents and myself at ease. Most I conduct throughout the fall as I am able, especially after I've explained the benefit to families who are often wary. The trust that can be built between you and families at the beginning of the year sets the right basis for a wonderful year!

Elements of a good home visit:
1. Ask questions to understand the family: where are you from? Habits/routines of the home? What is important to you? Meet a family member who doesn't drop off?
2. Spend 80% of the time listening! At school conferences, teachers often do most of the talking and informing of a child's progress. This is a great opportunity to really relax and be a good listener.
3. Use your knowledge for good communication throughout the year. You now know what this family's interests are (can you come help us cook a chili in our classroom?), struggles are (how is your other daughter feeling?) and concerns are (I really think your child is interacting more with other students).
4. Share appropriate information of yourself. Teachers are people, with families, spouses and interests. Sharing these stories helps families feel you are approachable.
5. Show interest in student/child if present. Remember bumping into your teacher at the grocery store, the shock of the knowledge teachers leave school? I'm always amazed by how different students will be in their home than at school, giving greater insight into their whole being, not their school facade.

Another resources that have helped influence my home visit philosophy and views: Black Ants and Buddhists by Mary Cowhey