I went and had a wonderful time. Not only did Neal feel special but I got to see what progress he had made during that year. Three years later when they discovered his father had a brain tumor the family contacted me to pray for him and the family. These things came about because relationships had been built in the fifth grade year. Inform parents about church programs that will benefit their children and resources that are available to them.
Families have all kinds of needs today.
If possible, be familiar with resources your community has to offer such as counseling agencies, tutoring services and other ministries not done by the church itself. If you know where to go for help, you are already part of the solution to a problem. The teacher becomes a part of a support system for each child's family. Praying, encouraging and delighting in the successes of the child are all a part of the Christian support we are called to give. Teachers are busy today with their own families.