Open House is right around the
corner! If you’re like many teachers,
you have some concerns about how to make this a positive experience for you,
your students, and their parents. Here
are some tips that might help make your evening go a bit smoother. Pick and choose which ideas fit your
personality, teaching situation, and timetable.
I.
Make Parents Feel Welcome
(Remember...They Get Nervous, Too!)
Smile and greet them at the door. Let each parent know how happy you are that he or she could come.
Smile and greet them at the door. Let each parent know how happy you are that he or she could come.
a.
Have students introduce
their parents. Prior to
Open House, teach and practice proper introductions with your students.
b.
Invite parents'
input. Give parents an information
sheet to fill out that asks for information such as “Three strengths my child
has are...” and “Three things I would like to see my child learn this year
are...”
c.
Let parents get
to know you. Make a
small display with your own family photos, favorite books, travel mementos, and
so on.
d.
Send thank you
notes. To simplify this task, write a
letter and photocopy it. Have parents
write their addresses on envelopes during the visit. Another option would be to create an e-mail distribution
list of parents and send a group thank you.
a.
A Supportive
Environment. Parents want to know that your
classroom is a positive and friendly place.
b.
A Sense of
Your Expectations. Share with parents the
classroom rules that you and your students have created together. Give them a
hand-out that clearly states what you want your students to learn by the end of
the year.
c.
Open
Communication. Let parents know that you consider
them equal partners in their children's education. Tell them how you will keep
in touch (e.g., newsletters, quarterly reports). Hand out cards with your
contact information, and the best times to call.
III.
Veteran Teachers Share Open House
"Don'ts"
a. Don't conference. Make yourself available
to parents, but do not discuss individual students' progress or grades. Respect
their privacy and the time of the others who are there. Invite parents to
schedule a phone call or meeting at another time.
b. Don't make it too formal. Like you, parents
have already put in a full day. Make it fun. Keep presentations brief,
informative, and enjoyable. What's most important is for parents to get a
chance to see the classroom and ask their own questions.
c. Don't assign homework. Both your students
and their parents will appreciate the consideration. Try to plan a light day to
follow Open House for your own sanity!
d. Don't try to do too much! Relax and enjoy meeting everyone.
IV.
And finally…
a. Save some energy. Take a break, if at all
possible, between the end of the school day and the start of your Open House to
rest and recharge.
b. Smile. Smiles mean a lot. When you smile,
you let parents know you are happy and excited to see them.
c. Give parents concrete examples of what
they can do at home to help their child's education, such as setting a regular
homework time.
d.
Be proud
of all that you do. Enjoy an evening in the spotlight. Parents
come to Open House because they want to experience all the wonderful things
going on in their child’s world.
