If you have never been to an open house you know what to expect or at least you think you do. If this is your first time attending an open house for school this might help you prepare for what to expect. Of course every school is different and each grade or class varies on what they hope to achieve at their open house. I will outline what open house is based on my experience.
Time:
Like I said before each school is different and times will vary, so make sure to check what time your open house will be. When an entire school or school system has their open house on the same night and time, it can be difficult, so plan accordingly. If you have more than one child, you probably have more than one classroom or even school to attend. From my experience, if times are the same attend your youngest child's class first. This will help in case they get over stimulated or get tired. Open houses usually last a couple of hours. You may think you want to try to get their early, which is sometimes wise for parking, however, your teachers may not be ready or even there yet. From experience the last thirty minutes are more calmer then the first thirty minutes are.
*Tip* Open houses are crowded, so immediate family only should attend (parents, child and sibling)
Classroom:
There should be signs and staff members who can help you locate your child's classroom. Most classrooms will have a class roster outside the class in case you do not know which class your child will be in.
There are usually at least 20 (few less or few more) students in a classroom, so there will probably be several other people in the room. If the teacher/assistant teacher are busy you can look around. Look for a welcome or instructional table. Many classrooms have scavenger hunts for you and your child to participate in to help you locate things in the classroom. Go ahead and get started, your teacher (should) come around and greet and talk with you. If there is not an information sign or a scavenger hunt, look for your child's desk or table. There probably will be a folder with lots of information on it for you to look at, fill out and return as well as things you need to take home. Make sure you fill out and return any paper work immediately. There will probably be a few forms that the school and teacher will ask you to fill out that night.
Transportation is a biggie in kindergarten. Make sure you write down or tell your child's teacher/assistant teacher how your child will be going home (bus rider, car rider etc). This is probably one of the most important details you can give. If your child will be riding a bus, make sure they have him/her signed up for that bus. Teachers should have this information, but if they do not the school's bus coordinator will have it. Usually, there is a place designated the night of open house to find out this information. Check with your child's teacher first though before going to stand in those lines (they are long). Many times parents will sign their child up for how they will be usually going home, which is perfect. Just make sure that if your child is going home a different way that first day that you mark that down. This is one thing teachers worry about on the first day of school......making sure those sweet babies get home the way they are suppose to.
*Tip* Take bulk or heavier supplies that will not fit in your child's book bag the night of open house.
Fees and accounts:
Your school may ask for a supply or an instructional fee. You usually can pay it the night of open house or send it in with your child to school. From experience I have found that open house goes more smoothly if fees are sent in with your child on their first day or within the first week of school. School fees should be paid separately from cafeteria fees. If you are writing a check for these, write two....one for the fees and one for the cafeteria. The cafeteria is a separate account and they do not go to the same place.
*Tip* any money that you send to school should be placed in an envelope or sandwich baggie with the following information on it.
Child's name
child's teacher name
what the money is for
(do not put amount in case lost)
Put this envelope in your child's everyday folder that gets turned in each morning. Instruct your child to leave the envelope in the folder that the teacher will get it. Many times if the envelope is left in the book bag it will not get seen.
Each student has his or her own cafeteria account number (for most schools). This number should be written on any check that you write for your child's cafeteria account for lunch/breakfast/snack needs. Check with the cafeteria at open house for information on prepaying on their account or signing up for prepaying online. Many times there are discounts for prepaying for so many lunches.
Tour the room:
After you have filled out the paperwork and got the transportation handled, walk around and look at the classroom. If you had a scavenger hunt you may have had this opportunity all ready to look and locate areas around the room. If not, look for and show your child where he or she will hang their book bag and coat. Find their cubbies where they will most likely put papers and maybe their lunchboxes. Show them where the bathroom is. Be respectful of others and the teachers and do not allow your child/ren to play and or run around. Do not let them play in the centers (unless teachers have said it is ok).
Talk with the teacher/assistant teacher:
Most of the time in kindergarten your child will have two teachers. Both teachers are very important to your child's education. The main teacher and then the teacher assistant. Talk with both of them and let them meet your child (their student). Your child may be shy and want to hide.....this is very common. Do not push it. Allow your child to stand close to you as you finish talking to his or her teachers. Ask any question or address any concern that you have. Be mindful though, remember your child is not their only student and there are other parents there. If you do not get to address all of your questions or concerns, you can always email or send a note in.
*Tip* write your child's name on everything
Health/Medicine:
If your child has a health issues or will be taking medicine at school make sure you speak with your child's teacher/teacher assistant and stop by and talk to the school nurse. If your child has any allergies make sure to list them. There will be forms that you will need to pick up and have your child's doctor fill out. Any health plan should be discussed with all staff who will interact with your child.
Time to go:
It is always a reunion at open houses. Parents and students want to find out who will be in their class or whose class their neighbors or other friends have. As humans, we are curious!! Your older child may want to go visit past teachers (which teachers love). Just limit their visit to a brief hello or hug and then off you go. Do not take time away from current students or their families.
Once you have completed everything and had a look around it is time for you to go. Your open house experience should last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour depending on what papers are filled out to how many classrooms (other places) you have to visit.
This is an open house based on my experience. Remember, all open houses vary. I hope that these points have helped you and will make your kindergarten open house an easy success.
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