Back to school night words of wisdom~

[MissC12]

Who can give me some ideas, tips, ways to really have a successful back to school night?

[mopar]

What grade do you teach and do you have back to school night with a team or just your classroom?

[MissC12]

4th and 5th grade and I have it by myself

[Just ducky]

Do you know what is expected of you? Are you to have a meeting with the parents or is it more of an open house environment where the parents are simply there to see the classroom and to meet you? I have done both and preparation depends upon what the goals of the evening are.

[MissC12]

Originally Posted by Just ducky

Do you know what is expected of you? Are you to have a meeting with the parents or is it more of an open house environment where the parents are simply there to see the classroom and to meet you? I have done both and preparation depends upon what the goals of the evening are.

it's more of an open house ...it's not supposed to be like a parent conference type of meeting.

[Just ducky]

That, in my opinion, makes it harder. The most important thing for you to be sure of is to not let one parent dominate you and keep you from meeting the others.
We just had our open house a couple of weeks ago. I try to let the kids lead the parents to their desks and show them "their" space. Then I talk to each one briefly, but make a point to not discuss specific behavior or classroom performance. This is not the time for that.
In fact, a few years ago we convinced our principal to move the night earlier in the year to help us steer away from conference type issues.
I also try to have something that the kids have done on their desks. This year I cheated and had them do the posters about themselves that were purchased at the teacher supply.
Other years, we have done some kind of project that could be at the desk that evening. The main purpose in that is for the kids to be able to engage their parent while I am talking to someone else.

[MissC12]

Originally Posted by Just ducky

That, in my opinion, makes it harder. The most important thing for you to be sure of is to not let one parent dominate you and keep you from meeting the others.
We just had our open house a couple of weeks ago. I try to let the kids lead the parents to their desks and show them "their" space. Then I talk to each one briefly, but make a point to not discuss specific behavior or classroom performance. This is not the time for that.
In fact, a few years ago we convinced our principal to move the night earlier in the year to help us steer away from conference type issues.
I also try to have something that the kids have done on their desks. This year I cheated and had them do the posters about themselves that were purchased at the teacher supply.
Other years, we have done some kind of project that could be at the desk that evening. The main purpose in that is for the kids to be able to engage their parent while I am talking to someone else.

Ours is different. The kids don't come. It's the parents only and teachers discuss the outline of the class and expectations, etc. sort of like an open forum type of thing.

[Just ducky]

UGH!! We do have staff that prefer that kind of meeting to the open house. Do you have some kind of handout that is more or less a classroom guideline? My grade level partner has put something together over the years and it more or less outlines everything she does. This year for the first time I put together a tri fold brochure that is my introduction to fourth grade and what to expect. I think that helps some because we can refer back to it when we are conferencing with a parent---especially those of the upset variety.

[mopar]

I would figure out how much time you have, 30 minutes/an hour. Then I would break the time into different questions that the parents would want to know.

Some issues to address: how much homework/homework help, your expectations, classroom managment, how you differentiate instruction, cooperative learning, daily schedule/routine, curriculum for the year and special projects you are planning
Emphasize how parents can contact you if they have other questions

Also, have a wish list that parents can purchase supplies for you and a parent volunteer sign up-for class helpers, room moms, or fieldtrips if one is coming up.

I would have student work displayed on the students desk for the parents to see.
I would ask the prinicipal how they intend to make sure that the parents leave on time. Is there a parent meeting afterwards or have another teacher come to get you, so you don't get trapped asking quesitons