Primary schools hold an Open House or Back to School Night soon after school begins to allow parents to meet their children’s new teachers and see their classrooms. Teachers use the night to introduce themselves to parents and outline their plans for the school year.
Advance planning and preparation help a primary school Open House run smoothly. Teachers create a plan for the evening that engages parents in the classroom. When they arrive parents are able to see what their children do at school and how they can play a role in their kids’ education.
Set Up the Classroom for an Open House
The Open House is a chance for teachers to show off their creativity and skill. All classroom bulletin boards should be decorated and all learning centers set up. The room should be clean and uncluttered and sample student activities or projects should be displayed.
Create a Meet the Teacher Visual Aid
During an Open House parents come into the classroom at different times. A visual aid, such as a handout, photo slideshow, or PowerPoint presentation, can help teachers easily share classroom information. Teacher contact information, classroom rules and procedures, and upcoming school events are examples of information that can be presented with a graphic organizer.
Classroom Show and Tell
Teachers can create a Back to School Night game or activity to encourage parent interaction within the classroom. “Can You Find…” is an icebreaker activity that asks parents to find different objects around the room. Prizes such as a school magnet or chocolate bar can be given to all parents who complete the game.
Make Take Home Parent Volunteer Projects
Parents are busier than ever and may not have as much time as they would like to volunteer in the classroom during the week. Teachers can make it easy for would-be volunteers to find time in their schedules by creating take home projects. Teachers can put together boxes full of bulletin board graphics that need to be cut out or learning center games that need to be made for parents to take home and return when completed.
Display Primary Student Work
Primary school parents are excited to see what their children are doing in school. Teachers should hang up student projects and papers for the parents to see when entering the classroom. Students can also write a letter or draw a picture for their parents about their class.
Planning a Back to School Night for primary school parents involves setting up the classroom, displaying student work, creating a handout, and preparing parent volunteer projects. Teachers can use this night to introduce themselves to parents and set the stage for proactive interactions between home and school. Taking the time to thoughtfully plan and develop parent and teacher communication promotes student success throughout the school year.
Megan Sheakoski - Megan Sheakoski is a teacher, mom and writer whose ideas have been featured in college text books, graduate courses, on websites and on ...
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