Meeting the students for the first time at back to school night can be a nerve wracking event for a new teacher. Making the most of this first meeting is important as it sets the tone for the school year. Prepare the classroom, the parent volunteer sign up list and your smile for the best back to school night possible.
Preparing the Classroom for Back to School Night
Back to school night is a chance for parents and students to meet the new teacher and see their new classroom. Preparing the classroom for this important event will help set the tone for the rest of the school year. Have the students names on their desks. Organize the classroom library and consider your classroom organization and seating layout carefully.
Post class rules, student birthdays and a sample school day schedule for students to see and get an idea of what it will be like in that class. Colorful bulletin boards are a special touch for parents to see as well, as this give them an idea of the enjoyment and learning that will happen in the class. Consider having a welcome note for each student waiting on each desk.
Prepare Parent Volunteer Sign Up for Back to School Night
Parents come to back to school night because they want to meet their child's teacher. These parents are the most likely to be involved through the school year, so be prepared with a sign up list for parents to volunteer to help you out through the year.
Having a wish list can also be a great way to get the treasured items that you will go through quickly including tissues, hand sanitizer, pencils and more. Make a supply tree bulletin board for parents to take an index card leaf with a requested item and send it to school later. Learn more about how utilize parent volunteers.
Back to School Night Preparation
Preparing for back to school night is more than organizing the classroom and thinking through your parent volunteer sign-up list. In order to make the best impression possible, you need to think about what your clothes and attitude say about you as a teacher. Do you want to be energetic and bubbly? Maybe you are more down-to-earth and serious about studying. Decide what impression you wish to make during back to school night and dress and act accordingly.
Five things you must do on back to school night:
- Smile!
- Greet each student and each parent individually.
- Shake hands with the parents.
- Shake hands with the students.
- Introduce yourself and convey the fact that you are glad that they came.
Nervousness, excitement and anticipation will fill the classroom on back to school night. Both students and teachers will experience all these emotions and more, but being prepared for a great night will help set the tone for the entire school year.
Read more information about organizing the classroom for the start of school.
Related Information:
Preparing Children to Go Back to School - Tips for parents to prepare their children for the new academic school year.
New Teacher Introductions to Parents - Find out how to properly introduce yourself to your first set of parents as a new teacher.
Preparing for the First Day of School - An easy guide to be prepared for the first day of school with students.
Jennifer Wagaman - Jennifer is a mother of 2 and has both public, private and administrative experience in the education field.
Join the Conversation