Kudos Calls: A Simple Way to Build Meaningful Connections
One of my most rewarding goals as an educator is also one of the simplest – to make a minimum of five “Kudos Calls” each week.
A Kudos Call is a phone call to a parent or guardian to celebrate something positive about their child. It allows me to share specific praise while also maintaining open, meaningful communication with families.
I make Kudos Calls when students demonstrate:
- Extra effort or determination
- Exemplary sportsmanship
- A noticeable interest in a skill or activity
- Improvement in a particular skill
- Kindness or good deeds, both in and out of PE
- Positive changes in behavior
- Unique skills, talents, or characteristics
- Participation in an early-morning program
- Thoughtful insights during class discussions
- Emerging or blossoming leadership
Often, Kudos Calls catch parents completely off guard. When they see the school’s phone number on their caller ID, they may immediately assume something has happened to their child or that the call concerns misbehavior.
That’s why I begin almost every call with something like:
“Good morning! This is Coach Cahill. I’d like to share something positive about your child.”
That simple statement immediately puts parents at ease and sets a positive tone for the conversation.
Why Kudos Calls Matter
Kudos Calls do more than make parents proud. They provide families with a snapshot of their child’s day that they might otherwise never hear about.
When a teacher takes the time to call simply to celebrate a child, it strengthens the relationship between school and home. It builds trust, creates positive parent-teacher connections, and reminds families that we see and appreciate the whole child—not just their academic performance.
And the impact doesn’t stop with the parents.
Parents are often excited to share the conversation with their child. That positive recognition can motivate students, reinforce their confidence, and demonstrate that their teachers are invested in their emotional, physical, and social success.
Sometimes, the smallest triumphs can create herculean happiness for students and their families.
Kudos Calls are a small investment of time that can have a lasting impact.
So, pick up the phone and make a Kudos Call!
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