Back-to-School Night
Tips and Tricks
Build Relationships and Rapport with Families
Families want to know that you…
1. care about their child!
2. will hold all students accountable to behavior and academic expectations!
3. provide the balance of support ,challenge, and encouragement!
4. are an effective communicator!
Agenda
Thank you treat
Put out a wish list
Use a dicut shape and labels to make your wish list available for families.
Parents are teachers too!
Acknowledge that they are the "experts" and encourage them to write about their child ~
Communicate Your Passion!
Communicate a Clear Learning Plan
Will you use the daily planner? How will you address behavior and organization? How will you individualize learning?
Encourage Interaction
Know Your Room Speaks about Your Students and Teaching
Agenda -
1. If you can ahead of time, send home a letter stating your goals for BTSN. You can use surveymonkey.com as a form for families to ask questions in advance.
2. Day of BTSN, have students write a scavenger hunt type of letter for families. This is a great way to get families moving around the room. Another option is for students to create a fill in the blank quiz activity for families to use as they “listen” to the BTSN presentation.
3. Before families arrive, put out signup sheets for volunteers, a sign in for who attends, and a wish list sprinkled around the room. Families will want to know about conferences so if you can, include a signup sheet for that.
4. Have an activity on the desk for families to complete - I like to use an "All About the Child" activity that allows families to be the expert!
5. Have a family gift on the table, sharp pencils, and a blank piece of stationary for families to write a letter to their child at the end.
6. Begin with a brief intro about your goals for the night. For example, I tell families that I want them to know the four key points stated at the top of this newsletter. Let families know you will address questions that came in via the surveys and that as the night continues, they can user sticky notes to write down other questions. This was if you run out of time, questions can be answered in your next newsletter.
7. Use a power point (or other form, of technology) to communicate "Day in the Life of ..." Briefly highlight curriculum and schedule. Post links to these on your Learning Point. Another option is to create an I Movie that imbeds video segments of the students sharing key points. Think of this as an opportunity to take your families on a little tour ~
8. Keep your presentation to 30 minutes. Link you presentation to your online Learning Point.
9. Consider LESS handouts. Your class website will help you be green. A magnet for each family can be passed out with pertinent information.
10. Take a few questions, but be clear that you will not discuss individual students.
11. Encourage families to do the scavenger hunt activity, take the quiz, and leave a note for their child. I always left a note for students who did not have a family member in attendance.