1. Parent Conferences – First of all, be prepared! Make sure that you have all the information you want to share neatly organized in a file folder and ready to go. You will want to create a welcoming environment. We suggest using an air freshener, playing soft music in the background, and have a small plate of edible treats to share (homemade cookies or muffins are always a favorite). Be sure to provide comfortable, adult size chairs, smile and make eye contact. If you have a difficult conference before you, remember to start and end with at least one positive comment.
2. Classroom Organization – We tub everything! In our experience, rectangle shaped, clear plastic tubs and a label maker are wise investments. Not only will you be able to quickly access what you need, but your students will be able to help with cleanup. In the event that you are asked to share materials or change classrooms you will be ready to go.
3. Teaching is so expensive! How do you manage? – We like to ask for donations. We use our supply money to purchase items available through district purchasing and ask for parent or corporate donations for other items. At orientation, back to school, or curriculum night let your parents know that you have special lessons or projects planned that require items not available through district purchasing. Cooking in the classroom or cereal math our perfect examples. We write down items that we will be needing in the next week or two and place them on a chart for parents to take a purchase. Some examples are:
   • A Giving Garden – die cut flowers and write an item on each flower. Place the flowers in a garden poster using Velcro dots, sticky tack or tape and invite parents to take one flower and return the item written on it to the classroom within one week.
   • Lend a Helping Hand – die cut hands and write an item on each hand. Place the hands on a poster using Velcro dots, sticky tack or tape and invite parents to take one hand and return the item written on it to the classroom within one week.
   • Fish For a Wish - die cut fish and write an item on each fish. Place the fish on a fishbowl poster using Velcro dots, sticky tack or tape and invite parents to take one fish and return the item written on it to the classroom within one week.

You may also wish to ask local corporate partners to help out. We like to go to local stores and offer to place art work up on the walls or entrance in return for needed items. This works well, but not everyone participates. More will help out then those who do not, so go ahead and ask.