Open house is not only a time to “meet and greet” parents and students. Most students are worried about how to open their locker and how to find their teachers' classrooms. However, teachers can learn quite a bit about the student’s family and ask for needed items.
Open the Lines of Communication
Teachers need to take advantage of this night to inform parents about important upcoming events. In addition to the class syllabus, a class calendar can be given to parents. Make sure to include contact information for the parents.
Internet Homework Help
Have a computer workstation set up with directions on how to find the class homework help or homework assignments on the Internet. Students can help their parents access the site and the teacher will be there to answer any questions.
Make Parent Teacher Conference Schedule
Open house is a perfect time for parents to sign up for conferences. Make a list of times available for parents. Once parents have signed up, promise to remind them through emails and notes home.
Receive Correct Email Addresses
Ask for email addresses. Getting the correct email address with every letter and number correct can sometimes be difficult. The night of the open house, give out business cards with the school email address. Ask all parents to send an email from home so that the email addresses can be stored correctly in the teacher computer.
Classroom Supply Requests
Teachers spend hundreds of dollars each year preparing their rooms for the school year. Many of those dollars are spent on school supplies. The following are creative ways to ask parents for classroom supplies.
Ask for items on the class syllabus in a wish list. The wish list can include items that the students will use during the year. Many parents are glad to buy what they know will be used.
Make a donation tree. Drag out a small fake Christmas tree and decorate it with paperclip chains. For ornaments, die cut shapes and add yarn. On each shape write a needed item. Ask parents to take one or a few ornaments home and to purchase the items. Students can place the items under the tree and the teacher can announce who brought what items in for the class to use.
At the next open house take a little more time to prepare for the special night. Parents and students will feel more comfortable about school after the night, and the teacher can make positive connections with the parents and students.
Other relevant articles: Middle/High School at Suite 101
