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A Teeny Tiny Teacher

Parent Notes

I’ve been going through my beginning of the year files and I thought I would share this note that I give to parents on the first day of school. I wish I could take credit for the idea or at least give credit to the right person, but I can’t remember where I got this (Susan? Niki? Christina?). Thank you anyway!

What I have learned is that parents LOVE talking about their children. I have sent this home for about 10 years now and it really came in handy last year when my class size went from 20 to 31. Yes, 31 first graders! (This is off topic, but what is your class size this year with all of the budget cuts?) Anyways, these notes really helped me get to know my kids a lot sooner than I think I would have. One mom described her son as a St. Bernard (not a bull) in a china shop — because he was playful and big, and hadn’t grown into his size yet. CUTE! I have to warn you that you will inevitably get that ONE letter. You know what I’m talking about. The note that says their child was talking by 3 months, reading by 6 months, and was a published writer by the time they were one! THOSE notes are HILARIOUS to read and I’m always tempted to read them to my partner teacher. Instead, I bring them home and read them to my husband in a Thurston Howell the Third voice. It’s always a bonus when you read a few that say how happy they are to have YOU as a teacher! 🙂
If you’d like this for yourself and don’t want to retype it, click {HERE} for the version in color.   I also have a black and white version {HERE}.  Both versions are non-PDF so that you can make any changes, add your name, etc.  I think it’s helpful to attach an envelope to it – I always put a cute little label addressed to ME. 🙂
I’m always looking for new ideas or an update to this so please share!

Comments

  2. Jenn Bates says

    I've never done this but I think I'd like to try it this year. I'd love it if you would email it so I don't have to retype, thanks for offering. jenn@finallyinfirst.com. Not only will I get the information about the child, I will gain an insight into the parents, too! I have 30 first graders. I had 31 when I taught 3rd & 4th. I am so envious of other teachers that have 20!
    Jenn
    Finally in First

  3. Miss W says

    What a great idea! I give parents surveys to fill out during our Developmental Profile, but this will give me some good information.

    ✪ Miss W

    Miss W Teaches

  6. Mrs. Richling says

    This is a phenomenal letter. I would LOVE to have an email copy to send home to my parents at the beginning of the year. Thank you so much for sharing.
    Lisa
    fsuteach81@yahoo.com

  7. ~christina says

    I use it every year still! Fun to read the varieties of responses and excellent to reread before conferences to make parents feel like you really know their kid! 🙂

  8. beagle2love says

    I would love to have a copy of this letter to send with the survey that I send home at the beginning of the year! I love the wording of the letter…thanks for sharing!
    Cathy
    beagle2love@hotmail.com

  9. Hamilton's Blog says

    i would LOVE to have a copy of this letter…I send out one in the coming weeks before we go back to school…but this would be GREAT to have that first day! Thanks so much for sharing!
    Jennie
    hamiltonfamily@insightbb.com

  19. Tiffani says

    I've never had more than 21 students. I gasped when I saw you have 31. Hats off to you all who have that many students. I find it hard to get things done with 20 students. Do you at least have an assistant?

  26. pam says

    The letter is perfect for the beginning of the year. I would love a copy. Can you email it please? Thank you for sharing!

    pds918@gmail.com

  30. HSavaro says

    Thanks so much for sharing this letter, I do something similar but this is much cuter! I would love it if you could e-mail me a copy when you have a chance.
    Thanks,
    Heather
    HSavaro@yahoo.com

  31. Louanne says

    I would love a copy! I like your letter much better than the one I have used for years. I am a new blogger-finally got started after reading other blogs all summer! I love your blog! I have a long way to go -hope to share soon! Thanks!
    My Kindergarten Kids
    loua1b2c3@hotmail.com

  39. Sandy B says

    I love this, can you please send it to me. My e-mail is buttry6@aol.com. I am teaching First grade this fall. My class will have around 23 kids. Thank you.

  45. Unknown says

    I would love a copy of this letter! I am going to be first year teacher in first grade and have three drafts of a similar letter but none are as amazing as yours!

    cdouglass@topamail.com

    Thanks!

  52. Tammy says

    Thanks for sharing your copy with us. Not sure why people want you to send them a copy of it. I clicked right on your link and downloaded it and it worked great. Opened right up in Word. I'm excited to use it this year.
    Tammy

    Mrs. Flickinger's Butterfly Oasis

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