we are teachers: blog 
we are teachers' blog
teachers: do you wish parents would ask more questions?
by Golo Managing EditorPublished Jul. 29, 2008
I attended Open House at my daughter's school last week. You know, when you sit in the little chairs, mingle with other parents and hear directly from the teacher about his or her plan for the year and what your child will experience during that time?
Well, first I have to say that my second grade teacher rocks, and I'm not saying that to get kudos for my kid. She is serious about learning, fostering creativity and responsibility, and developing critical thinking skills.
But that's not the purpose of this post. When the floor was opened up for questions, I noticed that there weren't many. I had at least three but no one else really had much to ask.
I'm hoping that maybe they will communicate via e-mail or letters back and forth, but to me it just seemed like the perfect time to start a dialog. Maybe I just talk too much and have too many questions. Or maybe everyone was just tired. It was 7:20pm by the time we were done.
Teachers: Are your parents engaging with you and asking questions?
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With some, it doesn't matter what you do to get them there, they won't come.
I welcome questions from parents. They are taking time to consider their child's education and making the effort to understand the classroom and instruction. Before school started, I sent a short note to each child and parent, called everyone with a working phone number. Yet, I only had 5 show up at Open House
GOLO member since July 6, 2007
September 13, 2008 11:09 a.m.
GOLO member since July 18, 2007
August 4, 2008 7:54 p.m.
GOLO member since October 5, 2007
July 30, 2008 5:52 p.m.
I am more than willing to set aside a one-on-one conference with a parent that has a special needs child or really any parent that has more than just general questions. But it really isn't fair to the other 45 parents in the room to expect me to have a parent conference during open house.
GOLO member since July 8, 2008
July 30, 2008 10:58 a.m.
GOLO member since October 5, 2007
July 30, 2008 10:27 a.m.
I forgot to mention that usually open house night is when the parents meet the teacher, see the classroom and pick up the forms to be filled out. Later, we have a "Parent's Night" where we present our curriculum to the parents and answer any questions. Even then, I only have about 6 parents show up (our of 21 students) and very few asked questions.
GOLO member since July 20, 2007
July 29, 2008 4:06 p.m.
As a teacher I didn't mind answering questions at all. I had done the same thing for a long time, so I'm sure I left stuff out that was just part of my every day. I also appreciated the parents who came and let me know that they had specific concerns about their child...BUT there were lots of them and only one of me, so it was hard for me to remember specific or even put a name with a face. So, I suggest if you do that, you also follow up with the same information in writing so the teach can refer back to it. Remember, at this point, she doesn't know you or your child.
GOLO member since July 28, 2007
July 29, 2008 1:01 p.m.
GOLO member since July 2, 2007
July 29, 2008 12:53 p.m.
GOLO member since July 26, 2007
July 29, 2008 12:50 p.m.
Angela, I love questions! Most parents on Open House night just want to grab their papers and run back out the door. Most of our questions will come after the first week of homework. That's when the real "shock" comes! I am so glad you are excited about your daughter's teacher. Second grade is the absolute best!
GOLO member since July 20, 2007
July 29, 2008 12:48 p.m.
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