Here are some tips:
1. Wear your Heart on your Sleeve. You know the parents love their little rug rats more than anything. They mostly just want to know you care. Share with them just how much you really do care.
2. Go the Extra Mile. Do whatever you have to do to keep their attention. I present a photo slide show, have handouts, and have food and drinks available.
3. Hit the Nail on the Head. Get to the point. The parents need some important information. Give it to them right away. Spend the rest of the time doing community building.
4. Keep your Chin Up: If a parent ever tries to turn the conversation to their own agenda (talk about their own child's problems or issues they have with the school) stay on the track you determine. Veer them away from the topic.
5. Own it! You know your classroom better than anyone else. Tell them what's what them to know!
6. Knock their socks off. Make it a show. Do what you can to impress them!
7. Fake it till you make it. Even if you are terrified, pretend to "own it."
Now, my guess is this is not news to most of you. Most of us have had some successful Parent Nights, and some not-so-great ones. We learn from experience. What really sets my Parent Night apart is the party effect. What's the party effect? Well, here's what I know:
- I know parents are busy people. Getting a sitter and dedicating a night to just the school seems like a lot. Especially on a weeknight.
- I also know that one of the main things the parents want to know is one another. Most sort of give a rip about what actually happens in the classroom. They don't know the difference between direct instruction and constructivism. They aren't interested in the methodology I use. They want to know how much homework there will be, when I need volunteers, and how I do my best to make sure kids will make a year's worth of growth and pass our state test. Once I cover that, they are free to get to socialize.
Finally, I don't actually host Parent Night in my classroom. Yes, we start out there, like all teachers. Mostly I do this because we all gather in the auditorium and the principal talks. I also have to consider that the parents may have siblings in other classes. So, Parent Night is supposed to last from 6:00-7:30. In my room, I talk from about 6:15-6:45 and I then we all haul ass to Ruffio's, the nearby local hotspot for over 30's dancing and drinks. I'm still business, as we start off by toasting to a great school school year. Then, we all get our groove on!
This year was a huge success. Clearly the parents LOVE me, they got to see their kids' work, they met one another, and only one parent vomited on the dance floor. Excellent Parent Night!
As you can see, we had some excellent community building. I try not to pay too much attention to these things, but I also have a feeling there was a little spouse swapping happening (!), but all in all, I know the parents felt it was a night well spent!
Oh, and I finally, finally got roped into having a Facebook account (yeah, like 5 years too late.) Find me (Rosie Kaplan) and friend me!
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