Questions to Ask (and Avoid) during School Open House
Your child’s school will probably hold an open house, during which time you can go in and tour the facilities and meet the faculty. This is a chance to forge a relationship with your child’s teacher, and you want to get off on the right foot.
What you don’t say is as important as what you say. Here are some tips and ideas on what to ask about and what topics to avoid during open house.
What to Talk About
1. Communication
It’s a good idea to ask the teacher and other staff how communication is set up, and how everyone prefers to receive communication. There may be a social networking group, or a message board, or private emails. Other teachers and staff may prefer phone calls or texting. Also find out how often the teachers and staff tend to communicate. You need to get a feel for what is acceptable so you don’t communicate too often or not enough.
2. General topics
Teachers agree that open house is not the time to discuss controversial topics. Instead, keep discussions about general things such as school policy and such.
3. Homework policy
It’s a good idea to ask the teacher about his or her homework policy. It’s not controversial, but it is important – you need to be on board to help your child meet the expectations in this area.
What to Avoid
1. Telling the teacher how smart your child is
Even if your child is unusually advanced, the reality is that nearly everyone thinks this is true (whether it is or not), and teachers do get tired of hearing it. If your child is truly above average, it won’t take the teacher long to figure this out. What you can ask is if there are any gifted programs or opportunities for bright children, and what is involved with getting into those programs.
2. Comparisons with other schools and teachers
It’s not a good idea to start out telling the teacher what was done in another school, or the way your teacher did it when you were a kid, or how your child’s previous teacher did or didn’t do things. Instead, go in with an open mind that wants to learn how this particular teacher does things. It may be different, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.
Above all, be friendly and thank the teacher(s) during open house. First impressions are important!