Parents.... about Open House.....?

Question

Parents, what do you expect when you attend a school's open house? What do you expect from the teacher? What would make your evening more special or worthwhile? I am a teacher getting ready for Open House and I want to make it the most beneficial to parents. Any help would be greatly appreciated. (I teach 4th and 5th grade)

** This is the same as my previous post - but in a different category**

Our school stresses that this is NOT conference night and it not appropriate to discuss individual children's progress or grades during this time.

Just a question. We've only been in school for 3 weeks, we haven't done a lot of projects or things to show off... I teach JUST math for both grades.

Answer 1

I always thought that artwork and projects were great. And the more personal the better. Anything about their family is good also. Play some music in the background if you don't like total silence. Do you have to speak? Can the parents conference with you? How much time are they allowed to stay in your room? Cover what your expectations are: Gradewise, discipline, parent communication, upcoming projects, notebook checks, Reading lists, field trips, etc.... Give out your email at school so they can contact you....You might even try a theme! I had one teacher friend who taught math....she gave the parents a timed multiplication test.....they got stickers/prizes if they did well....it was funny. The parents loved it....it got them involved. Do a science experiment with them....give them a spelling test.....it just all depends on how much time you have....do a cute slide show of the students thus far.....in the room , cafeteria, recess, etc....so the parents can see their kids at different activities during the day.....include electives such as art and P.E.
Good Luck!! Oh yeah, hang stuff from the ceiling with fishing twine.....apples with their names on them hanging over their desks. Decorate a folder for each child's desk....put their work in their. Lay out their journals. I'm done....

Answer 2

my kids are in 6th and 10th grades. I've seen my share of open houses. The best ones are by far the open kind where kids show their parents where they sit and what they've been working on and the teacher is available to say hi. When its the sit down while the teacher talks kind that's when those parents who are over protective ask all the questions that they should really schedule a parent teacher conference for, wasting the evening for the rest of us. The teachers expectations are usually sent home during the first day or so of classes on a memo so it shouldn't have to be reiterated at a social event like open house. I didn't even go to open house this year--my kids are not problems in school and I have already met the teacher. I know her expectations and she knows mine.

Does your school have a format that they require you to follow? Are you expected to lay out the years curriculumn and how you intend to present it? Or is it supposed to be a "have a face to put with the name" kind of thing? there are some great ideas posted here for making it fun. I think it just depends on what kind of expectation your school has about it. Good luck.

Answer 3

I like to be able to see what has been going on in class, not just with my child. I want to actually talk to the teacher and not just hear, "oh, he's a great kid", then they move on to the next parent. I also like to see how they plan out activities and organize the class. My son's 5th grade teacher had the students show the stuff they did and where their supplies and so on were kept, then she made sort of a speech. She informed parents how she conducted her classroom, graded assignments (late work, etc), and what she expected from her students and their parents. Then she had each parent fill out a questionaire of specific questions they had and phone numbers and email addresses. There was only about an hour for open house, so of course everyone couldn't ask all of their questions, but she contacted (as far as I know) the parents to answer their questions. In 4th grade, the teacher informed the parents that the students would show them around and they could set up a confrence if there were questions or concerns. Sort of defeated the purpose of open house to me. Good luck and have fun!

Answer 4

At our school we have a 'meet the teacher' night. The parents come without the children and the teacher has The parents arents in the room and she/he will talk to the parents about what kind of teacher she is and gives us all a booklet made of all she will be teaching and how it will be taught. We save other nights for the kids to come in to the school with the parents and have fun. We feel it is of utmost importance that the teachers and parents have a group meeting where they can ask and answer questions without a child to take care of. It has worked out great for the last 6 years so we continue doing this and the parents all rave about what a great time it was to KNOW how the classroom is run and how the academics will be taught.

Answer 5

I've read through all the other responses and there are a lot of good suggestions. I have an Open House to go to tomorrow. I am hoping to find my son's teacher to be well-spoken and kind. I'd like to have a tour of the classroom, an idea of the daily/weekly schedule (maybe even a print-out so I know what my son is doing all day) and I'd like to know what will be taught this year. I'm sure what ever you have planned will be fine.
I'd like to suggest one thing that will make your room the best one to visit . . . COOKIES! Usually open house is between 5-6 PM (aka dinner time). Parents and children both would enjoy a treat. But don't forget that some children are allergic to peanut butter, so stick with oatmeal or chocolate chip!

Answer 6

Can I say I do not like open house? I go because i think I am a "bad mom" if I don't go. Especially the kids get very excited about leaving a letter to you. (They write a letter in their writing notebooks and the parents leave a letter back)

I would rather they move Parent teacher conference to the 2nd or 3rd week of school instead of a month or 2.

Basically it is the same information. I have received about 6 copies of that poem about the 2 sculpters. I get more information on the end of the week letter from the teacher.

What is beneficial is learning what their day is like. What you expect from homework.

Just ask the parents if they have any questions.

Answer 7

I am a teacher. I have enjoyed reading the responses from the parents who sound interested in learning about the school, teacher, and expectations. In my district, there is a Back to School Night that is like what the original question is talking about - it's not conference or social time, it's a time for the parents to learn about the class and expectations. The response before me from the parent who "has better things to do" is unfortunately the case all to often. They think they are coming to be entertained, and leave not knowing when their child is supposed to turn in homework, what the uniform/dress code includes, and what their child is expected to know by the first report card vs. June. Then they are shocked when I tell them at parent conference time that their child doesn't turn in homework on time and is a grade level behind in reading or math. Like the children coming to us, parents need to remember that school isn't all fun - sometimes you just have to learn a little to help yourself in the future.
Open House comes later in the year, around May. This is the "gallery walk" - by that time, parents should already know the procedures and should have great news about their child's success. Then the kids can lead their parents around to "show what they know." The big fun typically doesn't happen at Back to School Night. It happens in between - when the kids are in my class and at the in-between PTA events!
Check out the links below to make for a happy school year for your children!

Answer 8

I don't mean to be unpleasant, but I always dread Open House. First of all, I don't want to be read to. Please don't 'go over' the handouts, assume the parents can read them later. I don't enjoy sitting in little chairs, while my husband stands beside me. Then there are the people who over-worry about their kids and ask too many questions that aren't relevant to anyone else's kids. I like the kind where you roam around like it's an art gallery, and I like seeing a packet of my child's work. The best Open Houses are the kind that have a social reason. The Ice Cream Social, for one. Just like you, I've got better, and often more pressing things to do on a Thursday night!

Answer 9

I just went to open house last Monday. You sound like an awesome teacher. I really like just meeting my son's teacher. Looking at the class room was good too. There were a lot of presents from other years from the kids in the school that was neat to look at. The best thing about the open house was when my son saw his teacher that he hugged her. Made me feel like he was at a great school! Hope this helps you!

Answer 10

I'm also a teacher . . although your principal may not think it to be the appropriate time to discuss grades and all, there will be a few parents who will want to, and I'm sure you may have a few parents that you would want to to talk to . . . . if you have had a test or a quiz, you can post the A and B papers, or maybe you can give the kids a little "cool" coloring assignment dealing with math that you can put up for the parents to see . ..