To overcome this, and to build lasting, positive relationships with parents, I will keep open an open, steady, and meaningful line of communication. Edutopia outlines a number of ways to build meaningful relationships with parents here. From this list, and from class discussions, I have decided to take a more pointed approach to communicating with parents. Specifically, what I communicate will go beyond missed assignments and the topics we are studying this week. I want to provide parents with communication regarding what they care about the most - their children. Of course, weekly, online, updates regarding our school work provides parents with insight into our classroom and lets them know our class is transparent but more meaningful communication is crucial. Depending on my grade level, I will make my best attempt to call home or email each family, primarily as a means of introducing myself and encourage them to drop by for a visit. After that, I think intermittent positive phone calls home will go a long way. A simple phone call home to let a parent know the great thing their kid did that day will let the parent know that I care about their child as more than a grade on a paper. Once a parent knows that a teacher is invested in their child, beyond his or her grades, the parent is more likely to develop a trusting relationship with the teacher. As well, this phone call allows an opportunity for the parent to let me know of anything that is on their mind - things that they may have wanted to discuss with me but have not yet found the time. This open communication works to establish ourselves as partners in the child's education, two entities who both care about not only the successes of the child, but the child as a human being.