How do you introduce yourself to your students parents?

[Xeriena]

Im a new assistant teacher I started working last month but i havent had the chance to intoduce myself to the parents yet because they just go in the classroom to fetch their kids and usually the lead teacher is the one who talks to them.
there will be a parent night next week and im really terrified. im not yet really familar with the kids strength and character. i dont know what to say how to approach them or even introduce myself. do i just stay with the kids and let the lead teacher do the talking. since i work only in the afternoon and i dont get to meet all the kids.

 

[Jazmine N]

Before the meeting have a pot luck in the classroom its a great way to introduce yourself and have great food!

 

[liddabet]

You should absolutely introduce yourself. Some of them probably already know you because the kids have gone home and talked about you.

Simply approach them and say "Hello, I'm Miss ___________, and I work with the children in the afternoon.: They will tell you which child is theirs - and if they don't - you can ask. If it is a child you know, just share a story or a comment with them. "Oh, Tabatha - she is such a great helper! She wanted to keep cleaning the tables yesterday when it was time for circle!" If the parents tell you their child is one of the kids you don't really know - simply explain that you are only there in the afternoon, and you haven't had the chance to spend any time with their child yet - but you hope you will soon.

If you have been there a month - I'm sure you know lots of the kids and something positive to say about all the ones you know. Put yourself in the parents situation. They want to know how and what their kids are doing during the day. You are privvy to that information because you are there with their kids - even if it is only in the afternoon.

The parents are the customers. They are the ones putting out the bucks for the kids to go to school. What they really want is for their kids to be safe and loved. The academia is important too - but it's rarely first on a parents list. You are part of the safe, loving environment. Explain that you are only there in the afternoon - but make yourself known to the parent.