Every year, my school does a Curriculum Night. You might call this Open House, Parent Night, or something along those lines.
Basically, parents are invited into the classroom (without their students) to learn about:
- grade level curriculum
- content
- resources
- standardized testing
- schoolwide expectations
- PBIS
- important policies like transportation changes
- classroom expectations
- schedule
- behavior
- homework
- communication
It can be super intimidating, but it’s a chance to show your parents that you LOVE THEIR KIDS and that together, WE’VE GOT THIS.
First, the parents trickle in. This year, I had them each sign in because I had confidential paperwork that I handed out to them and they had to sign for it! (In the past, I haven’t asked them to sign in.) Also on my table I had my volunteer sign up form, which is provided by my PTA, and sometimes I put my wish list there, too.
Then parents go find and sit at their child’s desk. On the desk, I included a copy of our grading policy (since it’s a lot of information) and a fun “quiz” to give parents something to do while they wait. I use this “Parent Night Kid Quiz” from Rachel Lynette, and it’s super cute!
Once parents are done rolling in, I start my presentation. I have a Google Slides presentation that I just update each year with new information. I always start my presentation by thanking parents for coming then telling them how much I love their children. Way back when, my mom told me that that’s all parents really want to know. (Moms know everything – Thanks mom!) Then I introduce myself and talk through everything mentioned in the bullet points above.
Since we switch for math classes, we let our parents swap too! I put a sticky note on each child’s name tag so that the parents would easily know who their math teacher is. After I finish my homeroom, I chat with my math parents. Our math time is a lot shorter. I fill them in with a little info about me, then I only talk about math curriculum and procedures.
That’s a wrap!
If you have any questions, leave them in a comment below and I’ll get back to you ASAP.
BEST OF LUCK to you during your Curriculum Night / Parent Night / Open House / whatever!
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