crabby coordinator

[bobcat]

My coordinator does not share information with me. When I ask questions she brushes me off and tells me not to worry about it. So, I hear through the grapevine that we are supposed to have a parent information night. I asked her if we could make it a family game night. We could invite the parents and the kids. We could have the kids bring their favorite board games and circulate around the cafeteria playing games in groups. We could serve refreshments, etc.... Then, at some point while the kids are into a game, we could meet with the parents and share any information that they could use to help their children at home. Well, I guess because I'm new, I'm not allowed to come up with ideas. I was told that it was a good idea, but let's do it "later." Then today I find out that she has a parent night planned.

This is sounding more like a vent and I apologize. Actually, I came here to ask if anyone has any great ideas of what I can include in the parent packets she wants prepared. Any websites, handouts, etc... that you can share would be so helpful. I'm sad to say this, but I think my coordinator wants to see me fail so she can say "I told you so" to my colleagues. Meanwhile I'm busting my butt daily to prove otherwise. I would really appreciate any ideas you can share. This is going to be my first parent night and I want to make a good impression.

Thanks!

 

[MrsM]

Ideas

I have some ideas for you! I usually use a brown lunch sack and print some clipart onto file folder labels to decorate them. Ours are actually goodie bags for the kids, but I include one thing for the parents. We would get a small budget, so I would include a pen or pencil, kooky eraser, mini notepad, paper book, and a brochure for the parents. I'll attach a file with the text only, and you'll have to make a brochure in Publisher, I couldn't upload the .pub file. It's information I gleaned from probably 100 different sources, so none are identified, but they are all tips and ideas for parents to help their children at home with reading.

Also, the paper book comes from www.readinga-z.com. My principal bought me a membership and that's where I get all the books I teach from. Take the free tour and find one of the free downloads to print that you think your kids would enjoy. You may make as many copies as you like, and the tedious part is folding and stapling. Hint: you may need a heavy-duty stapler. The first year I had to borrow one from the school librarian until I could order my own.

I also buy blank business cards and make my own. I include my name, the title "Professional Educator", Title I Reading, school name and address, phone and email (at school). Depending on what you want to spend, you might want to print the info on those magnet sheets that go through your printer so parents can put the magnet on the fridge.

Good luck!

 

[Susan/IN]

To go along with that...

I have done the lunch sack thing too. I've called them mystery bags and given them out at meet your teacher night, parent conferences, etc.
One thing we included was a list of 100 ways to praise your kids or tips that parents can have to help with homework. One last thing we've made to give to each family was a blank trail game, either on a file folder or on a piece of tag board. I've made a different version I call The Race is On. I simply put 4 rows of dots on a file folder (you could do two or three) - one for each child in the family. We use it as a blank trail game but each family member has their own trail. That way if parents have 2 or more kids they need to help with homework, they can each have their own trail, their own set of flashcards. When it's their turn, they choose a card from their stack, then roll the die and move on their trail. The kids love it! And the parents appreciate a simple way to be able to work with their kids at the same time and still make it like a family game night. You could include a dice, blank flash cards, and pawns in your goodie bag too.

 

[bobcat]

Thanks!

Thanks so much, Mrs. M! I knew I could count on you!

 

[bobcat]

Thanks!

Thank you, Susan! I always look forward to your responses and you are always a great help!!

 

[hescollin]

Poems to go on your sacks

Partners
I dreamed I stood in a studio
And watched two sculptors there.
The clay they used was a child’s mind
And they fashioned it with care.
One was the teacher; the tools used
Were books and music and art
One, a parent with guiding hands,
A gentle and loving heart.
Day after day the teacher toiled
With a touch both deft and skilled.
The parent labored side by side
And all the values filled.
And when at last their task was done
They looked at what they’d wrought
The beautiful shape of the precious child
Could neither be sold or bought.
And each agreed it would have failed
If one had worked alone.
For behind the parent stood the school,
And behind the teacher, the home.
_________________________________
An apple for the teacher…Is really nothing new, But here is one for you, For parents are teachers, too!
Put poem on a green leaf shape and attach to a real apple, Use students hand print as leaves and print poem on a paper apple.
You are your child’s first and best teacher. My goal is to build a partnership with you this__________grade year and together we will continue to help your child grow and develop in all the important areas in their lives. Socially, Emotionally, Physically and Intellectually….