As teachers, we are well aware of how important it is to involve parents in their child's education.  The science classroom often affords itself to parental involvement, since the opportunity to do hands-on work and engaging projects means visitors will look forward to what their son or daughter has been talking so much at home about.

We've put together a top ten list of things you should keep in mind when planning your open house or parent meeting.

1. Market it! (send out flyers/notes/reminders)
2. Provide alternative options for parents (follow-up meeting/phone call)
3. Offer whole-class incentives (including options for meeting with parents elsewhere)
4. Consider having student performance or product displays (have some kind of student work to show parents)
5. Defer discussions about specific grades to a separate meeting ("I left my gradebook at home") by posting your conference periods and phone #.
6. Teach students to "walk" parents through a typical day in your classroom while you are talking with other parents.
7. Offer some kind of praise for each student (and parent), but ask parents for what you need!!!
8. Have a sign-in sheet and follow up with parents who can't make it.
9. Arrange for a translator ahead of time if needed.
10. Seize the opportunity to build a partnership with your parents!!!

Armed with some of these best practices, you'll leave a lasting impression on your students' parents and possibly start a "viral marketing" campaing where your class is so popular with parents, you'll have to turn them away!

Good luck!