How to Plan a K-12 School Open House

An open house gathering for a school is a great way to kick off a school year. Whether you do it prior to the start of the school year or within the first few weeks, an open house can set the tone for the whole school year for some families. Take some time to plan the open house, and the night of the big event should go without a hitch.

Instructions

1. Select a theme for the open house. It can be a hot dog roast, a potluck or an ice cream supper. Food tends to lure even the most reluctant parents to an open house.

2. Choose a date for the open house. Pick a date with the fewest conflicts.

3. Send invitations. The students can make them. It doesn't hurt for the teacher to call or email each child's parents to extend a personal invitation as well. If a child's parents are unable to come, welcome other family members as well.

4. Plan activities for the evening. Enlist the aid of other parents as well as teachers for this. Find out what the parents want to know and see when they come for the open house.

5. Prepare an "About Me" bulletin board for the teacher. Let each student prepare his or her own "About Me" space as well. This is an easy way for the parents to find out more about their child's teacher.

6. Decorate the school with appropriately themed materials. Whether it's student work from their classes or decorations made especially for open house, parents enjoy seeing their child's work on display.

7. Remember that the open house is just for meeting the parents. It's not the time to discuss any problems that you may have with their child. However, it's an excellent time to plan a meeting, if one is necessary.