Don't let Meet the Teacher night scare you! It can be a simple, fun chance to meet your new students and their families. Think of it as a meet and greet. Most families won't be staying long and are there just to simply meet you and check out your classroom.
Must Haves for Meet the Teacher Night
Although this night is still a more informal evening to meet you and for you to meet families, you still want to show that you are organized and prepared for school. The best way to prepare is to have a roadmap of your expectations for families and students either in your head or on paper.
Here are a few expectations to think through:
- How you’ll communicate important information: This might include how to access the parent communication tool you’ll use such as ClassDojo.
- Homework policy: Many parents like to know up front what your homework policy is and if they’ll have to spend lots of time helping their child complete it.
- Bathroom passes: I tend to always get parents concerned their child will have bathroom accidents (yes, even with second grade and older). Be prepared to have an answer in case someone asks.
- School calendar: Not really an expectation (other than wanting great attendance) but many parents often like to see a calendar so they can plan ahead for vacations, field trips, etc.
- Behavior policy: Try to have your class rules posted for parents to see. They’ll want to know your tough, but fair when it comes to addressing behaviors.
Sign In Station
Having a sign in station either right outside your classroom door or when parents enter is a must. I like to create a simple sign-in sheet that asks for the student name, parent name and signature, email or phone number, and how their student will get home the first day.
Now I know the best way to contact them, who came, and if their child rides the bus, gets picked up, or walks home. Plus I have verification for my admin of how many families came for the meet the teacher night and records for myself of who was unable to show.
Supply Drop Off
I like to have a small sign and a table available (usually my small group table) for families to place their child’s supplies. Of course there are always several parents who question if their child will get their particular supplies and/or grumbles about community supplies.
Temporary Desk Name Tags
Have simple name tags ready for students to find their name and claim their seat. This helps them and their families feel better about where they’ll be sitting. I always tell families that I let students choose their spot at first but they may need to be moved later.
I like to use a simple name tag before making more permanent laminated desk tags in case students move or I have additional students come. These desk name tags are great for this as it’s easy to print out new ones whenever needed.
Volunteer Sign Up / Classroom Donations
I always like to have a volunteer sign up sheet and a classroom donation list. For volunteers I always mention that they can work on things from home (stapling packets, laminating, cutting laminate) as well as come into the classroom.
For classroom donations, I think of several items that would be nice to have for upcoming projects and write each item on a sticky note. Then I just stick them to my whiteboard and write a note encouraging families to take one if they are able. Super easy!
Important Handouts
Meet the teacher night is a great time to pass out a few really important handouts. For me that is my meet the teacher flipbook, parent guide to the grade level, and any papers the office needs signed and returned such as Chromebook authorizations.
This is a sneaky way to get many of the signed papers back as parents will complete it right there for you. Just make sure to have a blank roster of names so you can check off who returned what and a designated folder to put them so nothing gets lost.
Nice to Haves for Meet the Teacher Night
Now that we made it through the minimum of what you should have for the night, let’s discuss some nice things to have.
A presentation for families.
Generally, you will prepare a presentation for families covering this during open house but if your school doesn’t have one, you might want to have something ready for meet the teacher night.
For several years now I have used an amazing free template by Not So Wimpy Teacher to create my slideshow. I change some of the slides and remove some that don’t make sense. My families usually come and go during different times so it’s impossible to have a formal presentation but I just have it on my whiteboard in the background and send a link to all my families after the event. Bonus - you can reuse this presentation if you have an Open House as well.
Your room completed.
Yes, that’s right. You shouldn’t stress over your room looking amazing and completely organized and detailed. As long as the surfaces are clean and it looks presentable, it’s okay to slowly work on the fancy labels and cute bulletin boards once school starts. Your kids will love seeing what’s new each day or week. Don’t feel pressured by social media to spend many, many extra hours on your classroom decorations.
Feel free to put coming soon posters on areas that are not quite done yet.
Resources mentioned in today's episode:
- Desk Name Tags
- Free Meet the Teacher Slideshow Template by Not So Wimpy Teacher
- Parent Guides for Academic Expectations
- Meet the Teacher Flipbook by Learning in Wonderland