The Value of a Well-Planned Curriculum Night

                           Themed Curriculum Night

Dreading Curriculum Night?  The thought of 50 parents sitting in your student desks for an hour, watching you with their arms crossed and never saying a word can be nerve racking to say the least!

Although this event is extremely stressful,  Curriculum Night or Back to School Night,  as some schools refer to it, is essential to a smooth transition into a new school year. Putting together a well thought out night for parents will help you survive the night and actually walk away feeling more confident about the year ahead.

Technology has really helped take away the uncomfortable feeling that all eyes are on you.  Use it to give your audience a place to focus. It will also help you stay on target with your agenda for the night.  I have created a Hollywood-Themed Google Slide presentation to demonstrate what I mean. You can project it onto your white board and give your parents something to look at other than you!

When you plan your presentation, include information that will help your classroom run smoothly. Take advantage of this night because it is the only time you will have parents altogether to explain how things work, how they can support their child and how you can work together to have a successful year.

Some things to consider adding to your presentation:

• Introduce yourself.  Share your credentials and philosophy about teaching.
• Explain your expectations and procedures clearly so parents can help hold their children accountable.
• Share the highlights of your curriculum. 
• Explain grading, assessments and how you hold students accountable for their own learning.
• Discuss the positive behavior support you will use this year.
• Solicit parent support-explain the importance of a strong Home/School Connection.
• Let your parents know that you are here for them and their children.  Share with them ways to communicate with you throughout the year.

Give your Curriculum Night a personal touch.  Send out an invitation. Display student work from the first few weeks. Have students clean their desks and leave their parents a special note. Provide a sheet or survey for parents to fill out on their child. Provide water and a small snack for parents to enjoy as they sit and listen to your presentation.   

Consider making a handout with more detailed information to accompany your presentation that parents can take home as a reference.  

Pictured are a few extras that will make your Curriculum Night run smoothly.

• Parent Sign-in
• Notes to leave for parents and students
• Treat for parents
• Coupon book for parent volunteers to fill out, tear off and send back to the teacher

Treat Curriculum Night as a gift to yourself for the purpose of getting your classroom off to a great start.  You won't regret the time you put into its planning and you will walk away feeling confident that you have begun the very important connection between home and school. This is the beginning of building a successful learning environment for each of your students!

Click on the link below to see the Hollywood-Themed Curriculum Night Bundle.
Happy planning!

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