Wednesday, September 28, 2011
PIN
This past week I decided to have a Parent Information Night. I took this idea from the legendary Dwayne Cates. I had about a fourth of the parents show up for the hour of information. My goal is that this meeting will smooth out some communication problems between the students and the parents. It was obvious that the parents had lots of misinterpretations of the expectations of fourth grade. I was able to explain my website, homework, late work, book reports, word of the week, and how are planners work. I am hoping that spending the hour on one evening, will prevent hundreds* of emails from parents asking for me to explain how the spelling list works. We will find out if this was worth it. I think this will also help the conferences go smoother and can focus on the kids vs. how the system works. I will let you know at the end of the year if it was worth it.
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The best thing I ever did for PIN was put together a folder for each parent with all the information about my class. I put a schedule, responsive classroom information, my behavior plan, 100 HF words, snack info, birthday info, etc. Basically it is everythingthey need to know so when they email me with questions I can say, " look at page ___ in your folder." It has really helped elliminate a lot of emails and calls. It's extra work on my part but so worth it. At PIN I simply go through the folder and then answer any other questions they may have. It makes it a smooth night and gives the parents what they want/need!
ReplyDeleteI really like this idea. I think that this is important to have a open house or PIN after school starts. It is nice to meet the students before school starts, but you have no time to talk to parents and explain the workings of the classroom. Great idea! Let us know how it goes.
ReplyDeleteHeather, I like your idea of having a folder for each of the parents. I usually hand all that information out at open house in the Red Folder. However, I feel that when I stick it in the Red Folder the parents lose interests and they seem to consider it another flyer in the Red Folder.
ReplyDeleteI think having a parent information night is a great idea to help be proactive on questions/concerns that parents may have. Each year I have had one, I also believe it has cut back on the parent questions/concerns or helped when I have had to call home regarding a concern because parents then were aware of the expectations or how it might affect their child's grade.
ReplyDeleteI know for sure my year went smoother with a parent information night last year. This year we had trouble getting one together in first grade. I will for sure do one again next year. I spent most of conferences going over classroom procedure questions rather than academics, so anyone who is debating whether or not to do a parent night I say go for it ;o) I made a slide show with the info and links and sent it as a pdf by e mail to parents.
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