Open House/First Day

[kellyann]

Hello everyone. This will be my first contracted year teaching, and I need some tips concerning two things: open house and the first day of school. I am going to be teaching 4th grade. I just want some tips on what to do during open house...do I need to have the parents fill anything out, do I need to have the students seats labeled, and so on. And just general tips on the first day would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much.

[Lisa's Hotscakes]

For the first day, why not just start teaching lessons? Why should the first day be much different than any other day?

[glynnis]

First Day: Go over rules and procedures. Let the students know your expectations. As far as more specifics for 4th grade...sorry. I teach 1st and stick with the younger kids.

Open House: I have my parents fill out a general information sheet. We keep phone numbers and addresses on the computer and in the office, but I like to have a copy of it in my room. I also like to have cell numbers, work numbers, names of workplaces, and e-mail addresses. That is just my preferences. I do recommend you label the desks with the students' names. Talk with the other teachers at your school to see what else will be expected of you that night. Each school has different procedures for Open House.

[BigDaddyTeacher]

HI KellyAnn - congrats on your contract. While it might be effective to give out lessons on the very first day of school, I would make that lesson something "fun" rather than academic. Most school districts (and if they dont' they should) allow for that first day as a 'transition' day - new grade, new school, new teacher(s), etc. No kid, from K up to 12 should have to expect homework on their first day.

However, Lisa's Hotscakes is correct about one thing - don't be afraid to start teaching from day one - just hold off on the homework until day two!

Use some "getting to know you" activites that can double as lessons:
creative writing - have a first day of school questionaire for them to fill out - likes, dislikes, something about themselves, what do they do well, what do they want to get out of your class...things like that.
public speaking - give your students a chance to introduce themselves to the rest of the class, but start with you! Tell them about yourself - use a specific format if necessary - and have each student go in turn.

Re Open House - follow Glynnis' ideas; she's on the right track. Any type of info regarding communication is a plus for the teacher.

Good Luck!
Dennis

[Lisa's Hotscakes]

However, Lisa's Hotscakes is correct about one thing - don't be afraid to start teaching from day one - just hold off on the homework until day two!

I would give them something to do, just to reinforce the notion that homework will be a steady part of the curriculum. Parents also expect their kids to come home with something to work on, even if it is a small assignment. It leaves a bad first impression when kids come home on the first day and the parents find out that they did little in class and have nothing to do at home.

Just make sure the assignment is something they all can do with little, or no, parental help.

Just my opinion, of course.

[BigDaddyTeacher]

[QUOTE=Lisa's Hotscakes]I would give them something to do, just to reinforce the notion that homework will be a steady part of the curriculum. Parents also expect their kids to come home with something to work on, even if it is a small assignment. ]
It leaves a bad first impression when kids come home on the first day and the parents find out that they did little in class and have nothing to do at home.]


I would say that, in general, most parents, including myself, get a little concerend when no homework shows up after a few days in school. However, during that first week of school, I rarely recieve any complaints about no homework. True, there should be something that first week - just not a dissertation on Plato.
And, personally speaking, I'm really not sure how a day without homework will create a bad impression about the teacher. Unless this is something you have experienced yourself?

[Lisa's Hotscakes]

However, during that first week of school, I rarely recieve any complaints about no homework.

Few parents are going to pick up the phone during the first week. Either way, I don't see it as a big deal. All I am saying is that there is an argument for assigning a small assignment on the first day.

[kellyann]

All of these comments have been very helpful. I agree with both of you on certain points. I will use the first day to go over routine procedures, rules, and so forth. We will do an icebreaker activity of some sort. I work with a partner teacher, so we switch students at lunch each day. By the time I am done going over the basics, it will be time to switch.

About the homework debate. The only thing I would possibly send home as an assignment on the first day would be to "bring something in that represents you tomorrow", or something along that line. I am not a teacher who gives homework every night simply because that's the rule. When homework is needed, it is given. Kids are in school all day, and I don't want them bogged down every free hour at home with homework. Yes, homework is essential at times, but it should be used wisely...in my opinion.

[BigDaddyTeacher]

Kelly Ann said:
"Kids are in school all day, and I don't want them bogged down every free hour at home with homework. Yes, homework is essential at times, but it should be used wisely...in my opinion."

Bingo! Keep up the good thoughts!

[Lisa's Hotscakes]

Another opinion: Students need to learn the habit of working on their own. A small assignment each night (even trivially small) will help them develop these habits.

However, at no time do I think students should be given homework that requires parental assistance.

[kreo]

Hi,
I will also be a new teacher this year, teaching 3rd grade. I have been reading Harry Wong's book, The First Days of School, and I have found it helpful. I think it doesn't matter too much what activities you do the first day, as long as it is completely structured so that students aren't sitting around doing nothing. I would definitely recommend having students names already on the desks and posted rules that you will go over on the first day.
As for open house, I'm still worrying about that too. Ask your principal about forms you might need to have them fill out.

[Unregistered]

Hello everyone. This will be my first contracted year teaching, and I need some tips concerning two things: open house and the first day of school. I am going to be teaching 4th grade. I just want some tips on what to do during open house...do I need to have the parents fill anything out, do I need to have the students seats labeled, and so on. And just general tips on the first day would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much.


Hello

As a fourth grade teacher and a parent this is what most parents like to see during Open House:
Organized classroom with children's work displayed
Talk to the teacher about the many opportunities their children have in her classroom to excel and succeed.
A knowledgable teacher able to talk about "curriculum" (what is my child learning in her class"?)
Also use your own creativity and "listen" to them.

I hope it works for you. Best wishes

Virgen Rivera, San Antonio, TX

[Unregistered]

Open HOuse is the day before students' first day of school and I LOVE it!!!!!!
I have for the parents, a brochure with the 6th grade curriculum, explanation of no grades, a welcome from me to the student with personal information about me and on the cover our school logo and mascot and school name.
there is a handout from the team about importance of reading and estabishing a consistent "academic hour" that will foster a study skill habit essential for academic success.
Also a handout of a different color with my Math Homework Expectations
A supply list, the assessment plan; organization of folders for each subject; and conference sheet sign up.

first couple of days:

I have four folders with students' names on each for THEM to check off and file in ABC order: emergency medical; office info; tech lab permission; video permission forms

I have a photo class list for a sub by cutting out last year's pics, plus this helps me from now until then to learn what names go with what faces.

Desks are numbered and labeled; locker assignments are on the door so they know exactly to go and drop off their book bag before entering the classroom;
on each desk is candybar wrapped with the label Welcome to Room___ Here's hoping out year is sweet! I am glad you are part of our class. We have an exciting and challenging year planned! On the back of the label are all the subjects they have me for plus friendship and memories

On the overhead is morning work, writing a friendly letter to last year's teacher telling him/her what they did over the summer and their new teacher. This gives me a feel for their writing and I deliver the letters to the teachers.

I shake each person's hand as they walk in, each student puts a tongue depressor with their name in the here containter. After announcements an icebreaker activity; specials RR, DRP reading test; icebreaker activity, Social Studies expectations with open door with team teacher (20 min); discuss classroom rule of RESPECT of self, others, school (20 min); lunch and recess; SSR, create a back and forth journal for personal communication from student to teacher only; Science Expectations with team teacher; Read aloud; homework is to bring back school forms by Friday and to be able to explain how they got their name.

Day 2
morning exercises; Math Daily Review assignment, Facts Quiz; Icebreaker activity; Specials; RR; Writing Procedures with team teacher; outside team activity Spelling Procedures; lunch and recess; SSR; Read aloud; Reading Procedures with team teacher; Homework is to cover books; get needed supplies by Monday and school forms by Friday.

Need any of the icebreaker activities? tales4u2@msn.com

[BethS]

This will be my third year teaching 2nd grade and I've found several things to be very useful:

*Read Harry Wong's "The First Days of School". He has GREAT ideas about developing procedures and many ways to make your classroom run smoothly. I know it's really close to school, but even reading a few chapters will put your mind at ease

*Check out http://www.teachingheart.net/ultimate.html
This site has SO many great ideas about everything...Be sure to check out the "First day lesson plans" link. This has many teachers lesson plans for the first day.

*For open house, you might want to type up a sheet with student names and have a place to write important info like:
-HOW THEY GET HOME...very good to know for the next day...i screwed up on this my first year and won't forget it again! Make sure to write down bus numbers or whether they walk or are picked up.
-confirm phone number and address that you have with parents...may want work numbers
-ask if they have any medical conditions you should be aware of...like food allergies.
-I know there's more, but i'm drawing a blank...anyone feel free to add or it's always a good idea to ask a veteran teacher what they do...teachers in your building have a wealth of knowledge for you!

Good luck and Best wishes on your first year!

[Unregistered]

For the first day, why not just start teaching lessons? Why should the first day be much different than any other day?
The first day is very different then all the rest. I students do not even know you. You need to establish your rules and routines. You could model each routine and then have the students practice each routine. Do you learn how to play basketball by someone just giving you a ball? No, you pratice moves... Students do not learn to be "GOOD students" by just making them learn academic skills. They also need to learn social skills and how your routines differ from their last teacher.

[SonHouse]

I agree that establishing your boundaries and rules is the first thing you need to do. The kids will of course will test those rules and boundaries right away but if you are clear early on and follow through with any disciplinary actions that are needed you will get their respect. Here is an article on classroom rules to help you prepare.

http://ebiz.netopia.com/skyepub/teachers/article.nhtml?uid=10011

Also, here is a review link for that book that was mentioned earlier in the thread called "The First Days of School" . It is a great resource for new and experienced teachers.

http://ebiz.netopia.com/skyepub/bookreviews/

In addition, here is a free classroom timer to download.
http://ebiz.netopia.com/skyepub/classroomtimer/

Have a great year.

[Unregistered]

When I was a third grade classroom teacher. I decided what topics I wanted to cover. Then each student picked a topic and briefly talked about it on a tape. When the parents came at night I played the tape and every student had a chance to participate. Of course if there were any questions I was there to answer them. The students and the parents loved it.

[Lisa's Hotscakes]

When I was a third grade classroom teacher. I decided what topics I wanted to cover.

Are you referring to the topics that are taught each day in the classroom? If so, state content standards don't allow this anymore. If you are talking about the topics to be discussed during the Open House, then I stand corrected.

[Unregistered]

Dress up like mother goose. That will really make the parents start thinking! Each day dress up like a different character. You could even dress up at open house like an old lady, big boobs and bottom, fake buck teeth, and sit in a wheel chair. Then jump up and start doing cartwheels. They will cheer and be so glad you aren't that old.

[Unregistered]

Dress up like mother goose. That will really make the parents start thinking! Each day dress up like a different character. You could even dress up at open house like an old lady, big boobs and bottom, fake buck teeth, and sit in a wheel chair. Then jump up and start doing cartwheels. They will cheer and be so glad you aren't that old.


That's a fantastic idea!

[Unregistered]

That's a fantastic idea!


What a hoot! I will have to try that this next school year! It's nice to see teachers with such a great sense of humor!

[Unregistered]

Dress up like mother goose. That will really make the parents start thinking! Each day dress up like a different character. You could even dress up at open house like an old lady, big boobs and bottom, fake buck teeth, and sit in a wheel chair. Then jump up and start doing cartwheels. They will cheer and be so glad you aren't that old.


Wow! You really have some wonderful ideas! Who would have ever thought of that?

[Ms. Mary]

For the first day, why not just start teaching lessons? Why should the first day be much different than any other day?

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