Meet the Teacher Day can be stressful for teachers as well as parents. It is important as teachers to set the right tone in that first meeting.
New teachers can find this day to be overwhelming since it is such a monumental day in your new class of students' lives as well as a day of importance in making a good impression on the parents.
Here are a few tips and activities to make the day run smooth and have everyone looking forward to a successful year in your class.
Do introduce Yourself
It is important to introduce yourself to the parent, but it is equally important to introduce your self to the child. Make sure you get down on the child's level in doing so. Remember, the younger the child, the more of a giant you look. Giants are scary to little kids. Never touch the child unless you know they are comfortable with you. Do squat down and put your arm out to let them know you care for them.
Do Go Over Procedures
I always have a letter waiting for my parents that explains the procedures I expect in my class. I also try to verbalize the procedures as well as have them self-explanatory. For instance, if your children are to bring their folder in every day and put in the red basket, I have the red basket out labeled folders.
Do Have An Activity For The Parents
I always have something for the parents to do while the child is getting comfortable in the room. It could be something simple as filling out an about me sheet that tells about their child. I also have had them start putting up supplies in the right places with their children. Parents standing around are more critical then if they are actually focusing on doing an action.
Do Have A Snack
I am not sure about your meet the teacher time, but ours is always near lunch time. I always have a simple snack available for the kids and parents. It can be something as simple as banana slices or goldfish. Hungry kids make uncomfortable kids.
Do Have An Art Activity
I know what you are saying-art is messy. If you have the kids for an hour or longer on meet the teacher day, you need to make it fun. You want each child to want to come back and there are always those children who love art. It doesn't have to be complex. It could be as simple as having the play doh and cookie cutters out on the table. Or having a coloring sheet out for those who want to color. Don't be afraid to get creative. You can let the kids decorate their own nametag even.
Do Have Your Centers Or Activities Out
Parents like to see what their children will do each day and so do the kids. It is ok for your room to get messed up before the first day. There is always time to clean. You want the children to want to come back and not letting them be involved in the class, hinders this feeling.
These are just a few tips to make the day a success. Feel free to leave any other suggestions in the comments.
