TheApple

It was Parent Night at our high school last night and the parents followed their childs schedule for ten minute "find out about the teacher" sessions.  A couple years ago I found this to be such a boring and useless night, handing out my policies, saying how I graded, how often homework was, blah, blah, blah.  Since I think science should be fun, I decided to do demonstrations for the parents. 

So last night when parents walked into my room I had my website projected on the wall, my check cell on a slide hooked to the TV camera, the usual science toys on the demo table. I introduced myself, reminded them that they had signed copies of my policies weeks ago and if they needed any more info to go to the website or email me. Then I gave them a lesson in metabolism that involved sacrificing gummy bears to molten potassium chlorate (big purple flame shooting out of large test tube).  The parents loved it.

How does your school run parent/back-to-school night?

Actually, John, I am a quiet person that most people don't notice.  I love the kids. I love the subject. 

I have a phone booth I can lend you!!

Yes, isn't it fortunate for so many kids that Sandra decided to become a teacher and continues to do it so well.

Sandra, what an awesome way to introduce yourself to parents.  I garuntee that will be much more memorable than a handout and syllabus! 

Great job!

For the past 10 years, I have done what Sandra did in the past.  Talk about how I integrate standards...assess student's needs...blah blah blah....

I would have about 10-15 parents show up.

This year, we put on a performance.  The children sang Louie Armstrong's "What a Wondeful World!"   I had about 50+ people squeezed into a classroom!  Parents invited grandmas, grandpas, tias, tios,...  to see their little cutie sing a song.  There were people crying as they watched.

I talked for about 30 seconds reminding them about my classroom policies...the rest ran itself.  I wasn't nervous because it wasn't about me; it was about the little adorables singing.

Whew!  It only took me 10 years to figure it out.  I think I finally got it right.

From the reviews I've gotten from my parents, it's important to show passhion on Parents Night.

The type of teacher who doesn't give a demonstration of what goes on in class will bore the parent.  This is a parent's first and last encounter with their child's teacher, and I think you did agreat job Sandra.

~ADF