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Step 1
Organize the room. Most parents have questions about units of study, supplies and classroom rules. Create a room that can answer their questions through displays. Many times, multiple families can visit your room all at the same time. If informative bulletin boards and displays are available to view, they will not have to stand around bored waiting to talk to you.Bulletin boards, tables and walls are all areas that can inform parents about what you have in store for their children during the school year. Classroom rules or student groupings can be posted on the wall, units of study can be displayed on bulletin boards, and tables can show examples of classroom supplies. Bulletin boards are also great places to post upcoming projects, spelling or vocabulary words and example homework assignments.Books, workbooks and computer software that you intend to use should also be displayed. If there are homework helps, these should be highlighted with a bookmark for parents.A plate of cookies or a basket of candy are always a nice touch on open house night.
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Step 2
Create a newsletter and syllabus.Most importantly, students want to know where their rooms are located and to meet their teachers. Secondly, they want to know what they will be learning.Newsletters can welcome students, can explain classroom procedures and homework policies and can give phone numbers and email addresses to where the parents can reach you. Microsoft Word has many templates for newsletters. It is important to make them eye-catching.A syllabus should list standards and indicators to be taught, major project details and deadlines. In addition, extra novels that students need to buy or read should be listed as well as the main textbook.
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Step 3
Clearly label your room. Put your name and the classes you teach creatively on the outside of your classroom. Some classrooms do not even have a room number posted outside the door, which makes it difficult for parents to find your room.Send out postcards inviting students to your open house. This is a personal invitation that creates a favorable relationship with parents right off the bat.When twenty people walk into the room at once, don't panic. If the room is staged correctly, parents and students can browse the displays and take turns meeting you.
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Step 4
Put on a smile. Most open houses are in the evening after teachers have been working in their rooms all day. Before you arrive, make sure to eat for extra energy. The students will be excited to meet you, and this will give you extra energy when you need it. If you are a first-year teacher, know that you should dress up for occasion, but this does not mean wearing a three-piece suit. A simple dress or even dress pants will be fine. It is your first chance to make a good impression with parents and students.
