Connecting with

students and their

families through home
visits

Project
During my student teaching in 4th grade I decided to
do something that I have never done or seen done
before! To help me get to know and learn more
about the relationships between my students and
their families I decided to make some home visits. I
decided to go on some home visits because I truly
believe that by getting to know the students and
their families allows me to be a better teacher.
When talking with my cooperating teacher about
this idea, she was very supportive but could not
offer any advice because she has never gone on any
home visits before. We decided together on which
students homes I should visit and which students I
could have more of an impact on.

What did I do?

Here is a picture of the letter that I sent home to my
students.

What did I experience?

I had such a positive experiences making these
home visits. I was welcomed into the students
homes with bright smiles and excitement.
I was able to talk to the students and their families
about things they enjoy doing outside of school such
as hunting, going to the movies, and playing sports.
One student showed me her classroom and how
she plays school all the time. That was so exciting
to see and I would have never known that about her
if I didnt make these home visits. One boy talked to
me about how he wants to go to Michael Jordans
school and showed me his poster collection.
I will remember these home visits and cherish the
time I was able to spend with these students.

Why did I decide to do

this?
I decided to make home visits because what
better way to connect with the students and their
families then going to their homes. I believe that
this allows the families to open up to the teacher
and trust them more because they are in a setting
that they are comfortable with. Fiore and Whitaker
(2001) mention that, One challenge all educators
face is building credibility with parents (p. 51).
One way to build credibility and a positive first
impression is positive communication with parents
that allow them to trust you and communicate
with you. If the teacher, student, and families all
work together as a unit then it can only bring
success. I feel like home visits help build
credibility and trust.

The Importance of Home

Visits
According to Coleman, teachers felt they gained
a better understanding of childrens strengths and
challenges after observing their living conditions
at home (2013, p.250). I feel like I was able to
form a relationship with these students that will
help me meet their needs. I now know their
interests and the things that they enjoy doing.
Not only can home visits benefit those whose
home life is lacking, but it can also benefit those
students that have a good home life (Coleman,
2013).
I believe that home visits are very beneficial and
that all teachers should have this experience at
some point in his or her teaching career.

Future Goal
After going on a few home visits as a student teacher I
decided to set a new goal for myself when I have my
own classroom.
Goal: I want to give the students an option to either have
me come and make a home visit at their house or have
the student and their families join me after school for
some one-on-one time. This will allow me to get to know
each student better and help meet their needs.
Davis and Yang, (2005) talked about a goal sheet where
the students, parents, and teachers list their goals for
the next quarter (p. 167). I would really like to do this at
the home visits or after school one-on-one. I feel like
this setting would really allow the student and his or her
family feel comfortable setting these goals.

References
Coleman, M. (2013). Empowering family-teacher
partnerships building connections within diverse
communities. Los Angeles: SAGE.
Davis, C. & Yang, A. (2005). Parents & teachers
working together. Turner Falls, MA: Northeast
Foundation for Children.
Fiore, D. & Whitaker, T. (2001) Dealing with
Difficult Parents and Parents in Difficult Situations.
New York, NY: Routledge.