Activities
Teachers, students, and families are always eager for the annual Meet the Teacher Night during the back-to-school season. It is the first opportunity for everyone to introduce themselves and set the tone for the school year. While there is limited time during this event, it’s important for teachers to make Meet the Teacher Night both engaging and meaningful.
Here are 10 creative ideas to try at Meet the Teacher Night.
1. Give families the opportunity to donate to the classroom
Some teachers prefer to share an Amazon wishlist to classroom families, but there are other creative ways to ask families to help out with classroom supplies. At Meet the Teacher Night, consider using a fun display with post-its that each contain one item needed for the class, like tissues or dry erase markers. If families are interested in donating, they can take the post-it home with them as a reminder to buy this item. Many families truly want to help their child’s class, but aren’t sure how to. This is an easy and fun way to ask for their help while meeting you!
2. Create a classroom information pamphlet
Families will appreciate the concise and easy-to-read format of an informational pamphlet. By sharing a brochure at Meet the Teacher Night, you can give families the opportunity to ask questions about the daily schedule, classroom rules, grading expectations, homework, and whatever else you choose to include in your pamphlet. Families can hang on to and refer to this important document for the entire school year!
3. Share a flip book of class info
Similar to the pamphlet, another option is to create a flipbook with all necessary class info in one place. This option is super welcoming to parents/guardians if you leave one on each student desk at Meet the Teacher Night.
4. Hand out an engaging flier about yourself
It is always comforting to learn a little bit about the teacher beyond the classroom. Sharing your favorite foods and books, what you did over the summer, and your hobbies with students and families is always an inviting way to start Meet the Teacher Night.
5. Make a station for families to write their child a note
Students love to come into school to find a note from their family members that attended Meet the Teacher Night! It’s also an interactive station for families to take part in during Meet the Teacher Night. Simply leave out some letter writing paper and pens, then ask families to leave their child a short note. If some students do not receive notes from family members, we suggest having the teacher leave them a quick note so that no one feels left out.
6. Display a photo of yourself in the grade that you teach
Families and students always get a kick out of seeing younger photos of the teacher. Implementing relatable and fun aspects to your Meet the Teacher Night, like childhood photos, puts everyone at ease.
7. Make a photo booth
Depending on your district, sometimes students are invited to Meet the Teacher Night, but other times it’s an event just for the adults. If kids are attending, we love the idea of breaking the ice with a fun photobooth. Families can pose together in excitement for the school year and truly make it an event to remember.
8. Put out a parent/guardian wish jar
While meeting families, take the opportunity to truly get to know their goals for the school year. Make a station for families to write down a wish that they have for their child this school year. Consider leaving a spot on the slip for families to indicate if they would like the wish shared with their child or not.
9. Provide a thank you treat for families to acknowledge their continued support of their child’s education
Although you really do not need to go above and beyond for this idea, it is always appreciated by families to see a thoughtful treat awaiting them at Meet the Teacher Night. Displaying a “thank you” note alongside it for families who have donated supplies is also a nice touch. Consider giving juice or water bottles and one simple food item, like donuts or cookies.
10. Hand out a “Handle With Care” note
Saving our favorite for last, this idea will foster positive relationships with families. Hand out a note to families at Meet the Teacher Night that explains the idea behind the phrase “handle with care.” If a family member messages or emails the teacher with this phrase, it simply means their child is having a difficult day and requires more patience at school than normal. The teacher promises not to press with questions, but to simply be a support during school hours to the child.
Meet the Teacher Night requires more planning than our beginning-of-the-year brains can handle sometimes, but it is truly an important event for families each school year. Make the most of it!
