The first day of school is quickly approaching, and it can be intimidating to meet your new group of students. It’s a busy and hectic time of the year, and getting all your ducks in a row can be a challenge. Sara VanderWel is an elementary school teacher who understands this problem and has created a fun solution. She has developed two questionnaires for parents to fill out within the first week of class: one on their child’s transportation plan and the other on their child’s essential information.
These forms not only help her get a better understanding of her students, but of their home life and parents as well. Some of the questions include the strengths of their child, their work habits, and any recent changes in their child’s life.
Having this information allows teachers to prep accordingly, and make any special adjustments if necessary. It is important for all students to feel welcome and accepted in the classroom, and this information is a helpful resource for planning and getting a general idea on what to expect from your new students.
These forms are quick to complete, as we all know this is a very busy time for parents as well. A great time to have them fill these out is during a “meet the teacher” event that takes place prior to the first day of school.
This information is a great tool for teachers to have! By having a general understanding of the needs of your individual students, you can jump into the first day of class feeling more prepared and ready to be a great resource for your class.
For more fun downloads like this, be sure to check out Sara’s Teachers Pay Teachers account at The Primary Pal!
“Meeting the needs of all students starts with knowing who your students are.” – Elena Aguilar, Educator