Put the "School" in Back to School Parent Nights

It surprises me how nervous some teachers get on Back to School Nights.  Teachers have no problem speaking in front of 30, 50 or 125 students a day, but we are a knotty bundle of nerves when students' parents gather in their classrooms for 10 to 30 minutes one late September evening.  I readily admit to having butterflies during my first years of teaching.  Over time, though, I really looked forward to these nights.  I loved standing at my classroom door and shaking hands with parents.  I loved seeing my students' eyes, smile or complexion on adult faces.  Each greeting served as a powerful reminder to me that the children who spend 45 minutes or more in my room each day, spend a lifetime in these people's hearts.  It is, somehow, humbling.

In turn, then, I wanted to make this night a memorable one for parents to show them that I am worthy of their trust.  I wanted to provide parents a quick peek into what their children experience each day in my classroom.  Yes, I allotted time reviewing curriculum, requirements, and more.  But I started each Back to School Night by inviting parents to live in their students' shoes for a little while.  As I spent my teaching career as a high school English teacher, I always chose to share a poem that students would read in my class.  I often used "Famous" by Naomi Shihab Nye, as it is accessible, inspirational and, well, lovely.

I would read the poem once to the parents, and then ask for a brave volunteer to "give it a second voice," just as I would with my students.  I usually found one or two folks were willing.  I'd ask those listening to underline lines they found interesting (just as I would with my students).  After the second reading, I'd ask them to turn and talk with a neighbor about their initial reaction to the poem (just as I would with my students).  If I had time, I'd ask parents jot their thoughts before jumping into conversations (just as I...well you get the point by now).  When I reconvened the whole group, I explained how I use poetry to teach theme and the purpose of the instructional strategies I used.  I'd tell them their students would read this very poem this year, so I'd ask them not to share it with them just yet.  Parents, I found, sat a little taller, feeling a bit empowered to have experienced what their students do.  They felt knowledgeable in the workings of the class, as if I had shared some insider information.      

So as you plan your Back to School Night sessions, I encourage you to think about how to model learning experiences that your students will participate in this year.  Here are a few ways you might consider:

• Set up Learning Stations/Centers, asking parents to move through one or two to see what materials are there and what the learning objectives are.
• Read an excerpt from a novel or a picture book you will share with students.  
• Ask them to write a response to a prompt.
• Demonstrate a science experiment.
• Share a Problem-Based Learning experience.
• Allow them to try out an educational App or web page.
• Maybe even finger paint!!???

Whatever you decide, incorporating a learning experience into Back to School Night will give parents something to remember and discuss with their kids when they get home.  It will let them feel as though they actually went back to school (and had fun)!

Have a great night meeting your students' families!