Back to School Inventory (For Parents)

At the beginning of the year, I like to send home a "parent inventory." The kids think it's hilarious that their parent has homework, and I can glean some useful information from just this one sheet of questions!

Source

If you're teaching an elementary class, of course, you can just send this with your parent packet. If you're teaching secondary, it might be best to attach this to the back of your syllabus and insert a signature line indicating the parent/guardian has read and understands the expectations of [teacher's name] room. I find that keeping a paper like that on file all year long is really helpful in the event that a parent insists he/she didn't know that his/her child has to do [x] in my class. (I hate to think negatively, but it's best to "watch your back," so to speak, and document everything!)

This Google doc is an example of a parent inventory I would send on the first day/week of school.

Although I find all the answers helpful, there are two answers in particular that I look forward to reading.

The first is the parent's signature. It's great to get a copy of the parent's signature in a relaxed and non-threatening environment, and to keep it on file all year long. Sometimes the little ones try to devise notes so they can go home with their BFF. Sometimes the older ones try to forge signatures on report cards, etc. So I love that I immediately have a copy of the parent signature on file, right from the beginning of the year.

I particularly love the last question: "In a million words or less, tell me about your child." That is the spot where I get the best answers. I have learned about students who are supposed to be wearing glasses but purposely don't bring them to class. I have learned about students who are such perfectionists that I should expect them to cry when/if the student doesn't understand a new concept the first time it's taught. I have learned about reading struggles from the past. Most of all, there is a lot of love that shines through on this question. It reminds me that most parents only want the best for their kids and will do anything to help them.

Whether you choose to get answers orally, written on paper, or via online survey, I urge you to conduct a quick inventory of your students' parents. You will learn so much!