Dear New Teachers,

As you no doubt already realize, teaching is tough. But guess what? You are tougher, I promise. Right now you may be wondering if you will ever look forward to Back to School Night. Honestly, maybe not. However, right now you fear the unknown. The nightmares you have in your head of accidentally letting a four-letter word slip or parents verbally accosting you will probably never come to fruition. These tricks will help make your first Back to School Night flow smoothly and painlessly. Trust me.

Stop at Starbucks

Caffeine is essential for Back to School Night. It’s like speed dating without the date. Smile, show genuine interest and concern for the student, make brief small talk and move on to the next family. Keep circulating, and whatever you do, don’t get backed into a corner by Helicopter Harriet who will tell you her child’s entire life history starting with the delivery. Politely point out that another parent just arrived.

Keep presentations short

I don’t know about you but I don’t like public speaking in front of anyone taller than four feet who may possibly be judging me. Back to School Night is usually held at the end of the night when everyone is tired. Families will not have the focus or the desire to listen to the entire algebra curriculum in one sitting. Amelia’s three year old brother may be screaming to high heaven that he didn’t get the same package of Smarties that his sister, the student, received for attending. Have handouts with bullet points that can be perused at home. A digital presentation can be helpful in sticking to the relevant data and maintaining your focus and of those in attendance.

Go on a scavenger hunt

Scavenger hunts are great ways to keep the parents busy on Back to School Night while you are making your way around to meet everyone. These hunts help parents become acquainted with the classroom and resources available to their children. On the scavenger hunt list, provide opportunities to go to the art room, cafeteria or library. This way, parents and students become more comfortable with the actual building. I still have trouble locating everything at my school, and I have been there for 10 years.

Read the rest of the article at https://www.weareteachers.com/first-back-to-school-night/