My tweens first Open House for 1st Grade, 2007
The day has arrived where children will be discovering who their teachers are and what class they have been assigned to. They will meet the teacher, discover who their classmates will be for the next year and see their classrooms. This is not only a big day for children, but for families. It is the reality that our children are going back to school within days. Family schedules are changing, summer has officially ended and it is the milestone of the many changes our tweens and children will be facing in the upcoming year. So, how to we make this a positive experience?
1. Be on time and plan accordingly to give your tween and other children ample time to ask questions, explore their new environment and meet their teacher. For tweens, it’s especially important to allow time to say Hi to former friends and or former teachers.
2. Attend as a family if possible. Fathers often do not get to be as involved with their tweens’ and childrens’ education so events like Open House are great for letting Dad get a taste of the school, teachers, etc.
3. Take a picture of your tweens desk and classroom and child with their teacher. Many changes happen during the school year and it is often great to remind them pictorially how they have changed.
4. Make sure that any questions you have are answered. Teachers are often bombarded with parents and allowing time for lulls in classrooms during the Open House can ensure that you get a feel for the school and get your answers.
5. Be patient. Use the time the teacher is busy with others to talk with your tween about how they are feeling. Are they nervous? What do they like about their new classroom? What are they most looking forward to on their schedule?
6. Remember we are dealing with tweens….let them lead the situation a little more than is comfortable for us. They don’t want to appear as a “baby” in front of their peers.
7. Have fun and celebrate as a family afterward. Make this a reason to have fun, create memories and start this school year off on a positive note!
How do you handle teacher meet-n-greets and open houses? Any advice?
Tags: balance, communication, family, family fun, Kristen Paulsen, school, tweens
I just had my parent teacher/class introduction yesterday- luckily for Oliver, he actually has the same teacher. I value and anticipate these meetings….especially as an opportunity to introduce myself and meet the other parents. I try to extend myself as much as possible to the teacher and to others- I like to be called to participate and volunteer and help if I can. Since my son is a student and I worry and care about how he is treated by others, I find it helpful to get to know other parents and their children and hopefully to develop friendships that possibly extend outside of the classroom. Advice? I always like to butter em’ up with treats! and spoil his teachers/therapists/classmates throughout the year….
Great reminder! All teachers need to feel appreciated by the parents, I don’t care what people say, being nice always pays off. Thanks for reading and your comments!!!