Tips for Preparing for Open House

							Top                                                  Tips for Preparing
                                                      for Open House

    Preparation is necessary for a smooth Open House Night for Parents. This is a chance to outline your
    goals for the year, acquaint parents with the rules you and your students have developed, and set forth your
    expectations. The following tips will be helpful:

     1. Prepare all of your materials for distribution, straighten your room, and prepare your
     notes several days in advance. (Something always comes up at the last minute.)

     2. Welcome everyone, thank them for coming, and share a little about yourself. (college,
     family, teaching experience, interests)

     3. Remember to stay positive and use humor. (I won’t believe everything your child says
     about you if you don’t believe everything they say about me.)

     4. Explain your typical day giving times and days for extra activities such as art, music,
     lunch etc.

     5. Discuss your homework policy including amount, frequency, and resources (hot-lines,
     buddy systems etc.)

     6. Explain your grading system. (How much do you count tests, quizzes, projects etc.?)

     7. Review your discipline procedures both positive and negative.

     8. Provide a conference schedule for parents and guardians to sign indicating a convenient
     time for them to attend.

     9. Review any difficult to understand procedures and/or assignments using the overhead.
     Such things as reading logs, projects and homework procedures are sometimes easier to
     explain in person. (This is your best time to reach the most people.)

     10. Thank everyone for coming and encourage frequent communication. Don’t let one
     person monopolize your time or back you into a corner. Tell that person that you’d like to
     speak with him/her another time and suggest a conference time.

    Why am I teaching after almost 22 years in the classroom? Knowing I make a huge difference in some
    of my students’ lives is all I need to know-- that this is what I’m supposed to be doing with my life.



         Helen G. McGrath
          Woodstock Elementary
B.A. Education College of William and Mary ‘73


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