If you are working on your back to school night, Reading Rockets has some ideas you might like. They even have a printable welcome back-to-school night flyer and an easy form for making your own class newsletter on the computer. Plus, they have weekly class news clip art and a reading tip of the day. Just click on the templates to get started. I promise you will be glad you did!
I remember spending hours getting ready for back to school night. I think I was always more nervous than the parents and the kids. One of the funniest things happened one year when another teacher and I met with the parents together. We agreed to hold the meeting in her room because it was so beautiful. She had clouds hanging from the ceiling and had meaningful sculptures and maps that just made me want to sit in her class and learn world history.
After what we thought was a successful parent meeting in a beautiful environment, my friend asked if there were any questions. One of the dads raised his hand and asked, "How do you expect anyone to learn in here? This room drives me crazy!" Both of us were so shocked that we couldn't answer. We still laugh about that night. It really does show how people see things from different perspectives.:)