Back to School Night

Welcome to Our Class! 

Whether you have a Meet the Teacher, Back-to-School Night, or something similar it is best to come prepared and that is what this post will help you do! I do most of these preparations before the school year begins, although putting together folders might be a weekend job or something that a family member might be willing to help out with.  I really believe in these items below, as it keeps parents/guardians on the same page from Day #1.  They know my expectations, and they realize they have their own set of expectations as well.  Look through the post, and feel free to comment with other suggestions and/or questions. 

Parent Folders

Parents receive "Parent Folders" that is filled with many helpful resources and information.   It is located on their child's desk, and I explain the folder during my presentation.  I put together a bright yellow folder with the following pieces of literature (most of which I found through Pinterest). Thank you to my fellow bloggers for providing these wonderful resources! 

- Helpful "At Home" tips for spelling
- Helpful "At Home" tips for math
- Why Read at home?
- Questions to ask child during reading: Fiction & Nonfiction
- Parent School: Reading Skills #1 (give these out monthly)
- Magnet with my contact information
- Brochure (below)
- Any school forms
- Classroom volunteer form
- Classroom Dojo Forms (Classroom Management)
- Common Core for Parents (If your state has made the switch)

Parents are told to keep these folders, as I will send helpful resources home throughout the year, so they are able to help with skills and standards at home as well.  I know it seems like a lot, and not every parent will take advantage of those items.  But if you can just help one parent make learning at home easier...the folders have done their job! The folders are a must in my classroom now, and I now that I have all the documentation organized, it makes it a lot easier from year to year!

Brochure

This year I decided to do something different.  I wanted to create a brochure for a different "look" rather than the letter format.  I wanted it to look different as I knew I was already giving them a lot of paper within their folders.  I put information that parents need to know and have a resource to check periodically.  I go into detail during my presentation (see below), but I do not offer handouts of my PPT just to save paper. In the brochure I highlighted main subject areas, technology use, grading, standardized testing expectations, transportation, special class schedule, and a quick read about myself.  I felt these were the most important pieces of information, but obviously you may have other needs within your own classroom.

Student Work

Our Back-to-School Night is a few weeks into school, so students have completed a decent amount of writing activities/projects. Students are asked at the end of the day to open their Writing Binder to their favorite writing assignment they have completed.  This is great for parents to go in the classroom, find their child's seat, & start reading.  It allows me to be able to greet parents at the door, rather than having a back log of parents waiting to get in the classroom or speak with me.

Parent Sign In

On our back table, I have a sign in sheet, any documentation from the school (technology permission forms) and any additional notes I'd like the parents to see or have their own copy.  You can also make these nice for parents with some decor back there. Check out Pinterest if this is something that interests you! I know there are some other amazing set-ups.

Presentation

I give about a 15 - 20 minute PowerPoint presentation for a quick run-down on my expectations and items I want parents to know from the beginning.  I include things like:

• Daily Schedule (Breakdown of how much ELA, Math, etc)
• Detailed Schedule for morning & afternoon
• Reading expectations
• Spelling expectations
• Math expectations
• Expectations for the end of the year (Reading level, passing of tests, etc)
• Daily communication (Daily Red Folder, Planner)
• Homework (I talk about Writing Homework, as I feel parents need to know my high standards with this weekly assignment)
• Parent Recommendations
• Class Rules
• School Rules
• Classroom management (Class Dojo)
• Pop Tab Program (Year-long philanthropy project)
• Technology
• Parent Involvement (& yellow folder discussion)
• General Information
• End with contact information (leave screen so they can program it in their phones if needed)

Summer Success

Learning all year-round is very important for all students. If your school does not have something already in place for this (book club, activities, calendar, etc), I have created a calendar for grades 2 & 3 to complete over the summer break.  In the past when I have created the calendar, I have given an activity for each weekday, journal writing, and even just reading each day of the week.  My calendars vary considering the needs of the class that year.

Now, the returning the calendar part...

This has always been an issue, and I haven't figured out the best way to implement this, unless it is required by the school. Although, you can always give out rewards. As students bring the calendar back with parent signatures on each day of the completed task, I give students some sort of treat. I have given out snacks, drinks, pick from the Treasure Box, etc. I like to reward those students for going above and beyond.

If your school does a "Meet the Teacher" on the last day of school, this is a perfect time to hand this out for your upcoming class. What a great way to already challenge them and get them thinking before you even have time to teach them anything.  Also, students are going to be more likely to turn it in as they want to make a good impression with you to start the year off.  I was amazed with the results!  With this, you are able to give even better rewards like "No Homework Passes" and things that will benefit them during that school year in your class. But I know this is not an option for many schools.

I created a reusable calendar and checklist you can use with your current students or the ones for the upcoming year. I created a calendar (with no dates) so you are able to customize and use it from year to year! This product includes both a second grade version and a third grade version.

The Calendar Version: Includes activities 7-days a week. Monday-Friday are activities for reading, math, and writing. Saturday-Sunday are social activities in which students are creating, building relationships, or enjoying nature. A parent signature is required each day an activity is completed.

The Checklist Version: Includes activities 7-days a week. There is no specific order students have to complete the activities in, but they are both academic and social activities. A weekly parent signature is only required once the student has completed everything on the checklist.

I created both students, because as we know..you know your students better than anyone! Both versions are available in one product in my TPT store.