INTEREST INVENTORY
Here are some suggestions for a check list where parents could check off how they will support your program:
Attend meetings and conferences.
Chaperone field trips.
Make phone calls or send emails.
Plan parties.
Collect free items for projects. Participate in recycling programs.
Make games and materials for the classroom.
Assist with technology for the classroom.
Plan service projects and fund raisers.
Share their culture, trips, career, or a hobby with the children.
Volunteer to tell stories, assist with learning centers, help with a project.
Tutor children.
Participate in clean-up days or repair broken equipment.
Compile a class scrapbook or video.
Advocacy for legislation that supports children and education.
Attend meetings and conferences.
Chaperone field trips.
Make phone calls or send emails.
Plan parties.
Collect free items for projects. Participate in recycling programs.
Make games and materials for the classroom.
Assist with technology for the classroom.
Plan service projects and fund raisers.
Share their culture, trips, career, or a hobby with the children.
Volunteer to tell stories, assist with learning centers, help with a project.
Tutor children.
Participate in clean-up days or repair broken equipment.
Compile a class scrapbook or video.
Advocacy for legislation that supports children and education.
What other hobbies or talents would you be willing to share with our class?
Brown Bag Special
This is perfect for the working parent. Put materials for making games, art projects, etc. in a brown grocery sack. Children get to deliver the “brown bag special” to their parents to complete at home. They will be so proud to return the bag knowing that their parent is involved in their classroom!
Hint! For parents with computer access and financial resources, ask them to download books and free materials from the internet. For other parents, you could put in paper and a pattern for them to cut out for a class game. Everybody can do something and everybody needs to feel appreciated for their efforts!
Helping Hands
Cut out paper hands and write different items you would like for your classroom, such as paper lunch bags, tissues, plastic bags, etc. (You know all those things you have to buy with your own money! Materials could range from something inexpensive to a Dust Buster or old rocking chair.) Tape these to your door and “invite” parents who would like to help to choose a hand and purchase those items.
The Kissing Hand
What would we do without this wonderful book to help children (and parents) transition to school. I know there are countless activities to do with this book, but one of the simplest is to have parents and children trace and cut out each other’s hands the first day of school. After kissing the hands, pin the parent’s hand to the child and send the parent to the “tear tea” below with their child’s hand.
Tear Tea
Sometimes it’s as difficult for the parents to say good-bye as it is for the children. Planning a tea for parents in the library after they drop their children off will ease the separation. It would also be a great time to recruit volunteers for the school!
Hint! Give a pack of tissues as a party favor!
Welcome Step Book for Parents (Kristine White)
Prepare a book for parents with important information.
Welcome – All about the teacher
Contact Information – email, phone, conference schedule
Daily Schedule
Weekly Folders – expectations for the parents
Morning Procedures and Afternoon Dismissal
TLC for Parents
Put the note below in an envelope with a cotton ball and tea bag and send it home to the parents the first day of school.
Dear Parents,
Thank you for entrusting your child to me. I promise to do my best every day to be your
child’s companion in learning. Sit down, relax, and have a cup of tea. Hold the cotton ball in your hand to remind you of the gentle spirit of your child. I know we will have a wonderful year as we learn and grow together!
Sincerely, (Teacher’s Name)
Brown Bag Special
This is perfect for the working parent. Put materials for making games, art projects, etc. in a brown grocery sack. Children get to deliver the “brown bag special” to their parents to complete at home. They will be so proud to return the bag knowing that their parent is involved in their classroom!
Hint! For parents with computer access and financial resources, ask them to download books and free materials from the internet. For other parents, you could put in paper and a pattern for them to cut out for a class game. Everybody can do something and everybody needs to feel appreciated for their efforts!
Helping Hands
Cut out paper hands and write different items you would like for your classroom, such as paper lunch bags, tissues, plastic bags, etc. (You know all those things you have to buy with your own money! Materials could range from something inexpensive to a Dust Buster or old rocking chair.) Tape these to your door and “invite” parents who would like to help to choose a hand and purchase those items.
The Kissing Hand
What would we do without this wonderful book to help children (and parents) transition to school. I know there are countless activities to do with this book, but one of the simplest is to have parents and children trace and cut out each other’s hands the first day of school. After kissing the hands, pin the parent’s hand to the child and send the parent to the “tear tea” below with their child’s hand.
Tear Tea
Sometimes it’s as difficult for the parents to say good-bye as it is for the children. Planning a tea for parents in the library after they drop their children off will ease the separation. It would also be a great time to recruit volunteers for the school!
Hint! Give a pack of tissues as a party favor!
Welcome Step Book for Parents (Kristine White)
Prepare a book for parents with important information.
Welcome – All about the teacher
Contact Information – email, phone, conference schedule
Daily Schedule
Weekly Folders – expectations for the parents
Morning Procedures and Afternoon Dismissal
Tell Me About Your Child
Give parents an envelope and ask them to write you a letter about their child. What a simple way to encourage parents to share special information and show how much you care!
Give parents an envelope and ask them to write you a letter about their child. What a simple way to encourage parents to share special information and show how much you care!
Put the note below in an envelope with a cotton ball and tea bag and send it home to the parents the first day of school.
Dear Parents,
Thank you for entrusting your child to me. I promise to do my best every day to be your
child’s companion in learning. Sit down, relax, and have a cup of tea. Hold the cotton ball in your hand to remind you of the gentle spirit of your child. I know we will have a wonderful year as we learn and grow together!
Sincerely, (Teacher’s Name)
