Home Visits

The Light Academy teachers visit students at their homes to enhance student learning and involvement. Some teachers visit the homes of their students about a month or two into the new school year to meet with the students' parents. It is important to know as much as possible about the student to be able to guide him/her in the right direction. There are limits to what teachers can perceive about students in the classroom; by visiting the students' homes the teacher is able to gain an idea of the kind of home and community they grew up in and acquire new insights into the student's personality.

These visits also benefit the parents since they will gain a better idea about the school's educational policy. Through these meetings, closer cooperation between home and school can be achieved.

Research has shown that one of the keys to successful teaching and schooling is creating personal connections with students inside and outside of school (Epstein 1998; Heath, 1983; Moll, Amanti, Neff, & González, 1992). Knowing the students' outside interests, families, and home routines, and then using this information to connect in meaningful ways can have huge rewards in helping to construct happier, healthier, and smarter kids.

Family visits offer invaluable insights about students. They can provide new understanding about students' learning styles. For example, some students may work better alone rather than with others, or they may like an active environment more than quiet time. Visits might also reveal the emotional and social needs and behaviors of students. It is helpful to know if they react to problems with tears, anger, or withdrawal, and how they socialize with peers. Through family visits, teachers can identify students' latest interests or concerns, such as a new hobby, an upcoming trip, or a change in the family.

Schooling in the 21st century must be different than in recent decades. Teachers must see their work as educating the whole student, rather than as merely delivering facts. To educate effectively, teachers must reach out to students' families in ways not traditionally imagined and help bridge the ever-widening gap between home and school, so that students realize they are known, cared about, and expected to achieve.

Home visits are voluntary for Light Academy teachers. We make home visits for the following reasons;

• Promote partnership between parents and teachers

• Encourage parent involvement.

• Parents gain a better understanding of school’s educational policies.

• Provide new understanding of students’ learning style.

• Understand emotional and social needs and behaviors of students.

• Identify students’ latest interests and concerns

Light Academy students and parents are encouraged to invite their teachers to their homes.