I have families fill out a simple survey that asks questions about their child’s likes and dislikes so that I can bring those up in conversation or to help them should they get upset or sad. I also ask about siblings, preschool attended, and anything that may scare them so I can help them work through those things thru the school year.

It’s important to use this information to build a quick relationship with students so they know you care about them! Showing that you remembered something they like starts that relationship off on the right foot!

I have students do a math inventory at the beginning of the year so that I know what they like and dislike about math. (I'm a math interventionist.) But the first day that I pull them, we do a math about me activity where I can talk to them about their lives and what is important to them. It's a very safe entry point for my students.