Parents love coming to the preschool classroom to find out what their child does all day. Open Houses on the preschool level can be done several different ways.
It is important that parents leave knowing that their child during the day is safe, has fun and learns. Open house is a great time to assure the parents that you do these things every day.
Here are some activities I plan each year for open house. I usually pick a theme that we have already done or will do and make the parents spend the day as their child.
Art Time
We start open house with an easy art project. I usually take pictures of the parent(S) during drop off with their child during the first week of school. I develop the pictures and have them sitting out on the art table. Each parent is told how to use the glue stick to glue foamies on the magnetic foam frame. Basically they are decorating their own framed picture to take home. It is important to use the same tools your kids will use in the classroom so the parents get a feel for what it is really like. You can also just use a picture of the child. If your theme is fall, you might have foam leaves to glue for an example.
Playground
Don't skip this part of the schedule. The parents will love seeing how their kids interact on the playground. You might just be surprised how many parents are on the slides and swings as well.
Snack
Plan a fun themed snack. If you are adventurous-have all the parents make trail mix or friendship fruit salad together to share. You can even have chef hats made by the kids out of painters hats that have the names, "mom" and "dad."
Centers
Allow the parents time to explore your centers. If you have a math center that you normally would work with the kids, be there. Handwriting sheets are also good for the parents to see that the children are learning their name. It also lets them see the "proper way" to work with their own child. Have the sensory table out as well. Do not close any centers. The parents will like seeing what centers their kids like as well.
Circle Time
Pick out a book to go with your theme. If you have the big picture book, it will be more beneficial. Sing the songs you sing. Say the pledge if you do that. Be authentic.
These are just a few suggestions, but I am sure you get the point. The parents will love getting to be a preschooler for the night as well as learning what their little ones do all day. You will be surprised how much they love it and will better respect your morning and afternoon procedures.
Be sure to include a take home letter that details themed weeks, important dates and a review of the schedule. As always, if you have any other suggestions, leave them in the comment section below.
