Letter Home to Students/Parents

My principal just informed me that I need to send home a letter this week to my students/parents introducing myself. I don't really know what to include. It is my first year teaching and recently graduated. I am unsure how much to tell them about myself. What do I inform them about for the year to come? Do I need to tell them to bring specific supplies? Anything would help a great deal please!

How do you address it? Dear students and parents? What happens if they live with grandparents?

[BigDaddyTeacher]

Addressing the letter can be difficult - use the wonderfully generic "To My Wonderful Students and their Parents/Guardians" if nothing else comes to mind.

As for what to include, you don't have to go into your entire personal background. Share a little of your likes, dislikes, hobbies, pets, etc. Married? Kids? Sure, why not. I have always had pictures of my family in the classroom, so the kids will know soon enough about them. How about where you got educated? I think it's ok to say where you got your degree from.
But, this info should not take up the bulk of the letter. Be sure to include some of you hopes/dreams for the coming year. What are some of the highlights you're going to touch on? Any special field trips in the works? Don't get too specific, just in case some of this can't come to pass (school budget! )

Classroom supplies - I usually send that home in a separate letter, one that also stresses the need for classroom volunteers. Just be polite and open - "As you know, it takes a lot to run a classroon, and any help you can provide would be gratefully accepted. If you are thinking of donating something to the room, here are a few things that we could really use: "

Just be friendly - you'll get it back in spades.

Dennis

Great this will help me to get started!

To address the letters I always write "Dear Families" and somehow add my students. Something like "To My Wonderful Students and their Families" etc.

My professor included the following letter in her book (below is myedited version.) For this first letter, I would take the time to write out each name, unless you have more than thirty students. Most registration/enrollment forms should include guardian relationships, so you should know if you can be generic w/ parents or at least family. Obviously the letter will be edited depending on timing and grade level. Also, anything you send home should not be longer than one page (except newsletters, brochures, etc.)

Dear Families:

The new school year begins in less than two weeks. Your child will be in my kindergarten class, so we will be working together for the next ten months. I thought I would let you know a little bit about myself and what you can expect during the first few weeks of school.

While I have worked with children of all ages in various capacities for fifteen years, this is my first year as a schoolteacher. I enjoy working with young children because they are such curious, energetic, and enthusiastic learners.

I believe that young children learn best when they are active. When you walk into our classroom, you’ll notice that the room is arranged by learning centers. Much of our day will be spent working in the art, dramatic play, listening, math, reading, science, and writing centers. A good question to ask your child at the end of the day is, “What center did you work in today?” Remember, it’s never a good idea to ask, “What did you do today?” because most 5-year-olds have one of two answers to that question: “Play” or “Nothing.” Neither answer is very satisfying for you.

You’ll also notice that the classroom seems a little bare. The learning centers are arranged, but little else has been done to the room. I’ve done that on purpose. I want the children to feel a real sense of ownership of the room, so during the first week of school, we will work together to create bulletin boards, write class labels, and add materials to each center.

I have earned a degree in psychology and early childhood education from Southern Methodist University. I am married and enjoy spending my free time reading about teaching. This note tells you a little about me and what you can expect.

I would like to know more about your family. I know my teaching must begin with making your child feel comfortable at school and in our class. Would you please take a moment to write whatever you think would help me get to know you and your child? These questions could guide your thinking: What is your child like? When s/he is upset, how do you comfort her/him? What are your child’s interests and your family’s interests? Thanks for taking the time to write to me. I believe that sharing information will help us all get to know each other.

Enclosed is a letter and paper for your child. Your letter and your child’s work may be returned in the same envelop. If possible, I would also like a recent picture of your child to place on our classroom’s bulletin board. This may be mailed or e-mailed to me. Last, please feel free to allow your child to bring a pillow, blanket, stuffed animal, doll, trinket, pictures, or any other item from home to keep at school. Having a connection with home at school can help young students feel more confident in their new environment. I am looking forward to this year and the opportunities we will all create for the children in our classroom.

Please feel free to make an appointment with me prior to school beginning. I am happy to meet with students and their families so there is less intimidation the first day of school. Thank you for all your help.

Sincerly,
Your Child's Teacher

Hope this helps.

[Lisa's Hotscakes]

Remember, it’s never a good idea to ask, “What did you do today?” because most 5-year-olds have one of two answers to that question: “Play” or “Nothing.”

However, I think it's perfectly appropriate to ask, "What did you LEARN today?" If a child cannot answer, then that isn't very assuring.