Some principals require their teachers to conduct home visits before school begins.
The thought behind this action is that it gives teachers a greater understand of their students' background and special needs. When visiting a student's home, the teacher can have an understanding of the financial and time resources available to the family as well as meet additional family members, and observe parent-child interactions within a comfortable setting for the family. This will help the teacher gain a more realistic picture of the student and his or her home life. Other teachers like to conduct home visits, although not required by the principal, in order to meet his or her students and their parents in a more relaxed and non-threatening environment. The first day of school is often nerve-wracking enough without adding the extra stress of meeting people for the first time.