MEETING THE PARENTS-1ST DAY JITTERS
Ease everyone’s 1st Day jitters by inviting students and parents to visit your room together for an Open House the evening BEFORE school starts. This gives you a chance to greet each family individually, and to collect requested items (like tissues) and information (how is your child getting home tomorrow?).
Instead of putting together a formal program, simplify your life by creating a simple “Scavenger Hunt” in which the child and family can become familiar with his/her new room (parents can read the items to pre-readers). Use easily located items such as the clock, the bathroom, student’s name in 3 places, a poem, etc. Include yourself as the last item to be found. This gives you an opportunity to talk once again with your new student. This is also a great time to take a photo of the student with their family (this really helps put a name to a face later at conferences!). Send students off with a cheerful goodbye – make sure you tell them at least 1 activity that you have planned for the next day to give them something to look forward to.
With primary children, it’s also helpful to wear something bright at Open House. If you wear the same outfit the next day, younger children will be able to easily recognize you on the playground, or at the door, or wherever you collect your group!
Students and teachers will feel so much more confident when they know exactly where they are going and what to expect the first day, and everyone will be reassured enough to get a good night,s sleep!
By: MARILYN WESTERN
KINNEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MT. PLEASANT, MI