Strategies for a Successful Open Class!
As a teacher, there are few moments more nerve-wracking than an “open class” – the opportunity to showcase your students’ progress and your own teaching skills to parents and administrators. It’s a chance to impress, to prove that your hard work and dedication have paid off. But with all eyes on you, it can also feel like a high-stakes performance. Don’t worry, though – with a bit of strategic planning and preparation, you can knock your open class out of the park. In this article, we’ll explore some effective strategies (and potential pitfalls to avoid) for making your open class a resounding success.
Do’s:
- Plan Ahead: Get that lesson plan locked in and tailored to your audience. Think about what you want to achieve and how your students can really showcase their learning.
- Engage Students: Get ’em involved! Encourage them to work together, and get hands-on, present something, show something, etc.
- Provide time for rehearsals: The open class is a time for students to shine, so if they must present something make sure they practice a lot before the open class.
- Be Flexible: Roll with the punches. If things don’t go exactly to plan, don’t sweat it. Stay open to changing things up on the fly to keep your students engaged and on track.
- Provide Clear Instructions: Keep it crystal clear. Make sure your students know exactly what’s expected of them and how they can dive into all the cool stuff you’ve got planned.
- Classroom Management: Keep that classroom ship-shape. Make sure everyone knows the rules and that you’re there to keep things running smoothly. No room for disruptions!
- Highlight Student Progress: Give your students their moment in the spotlight. Show off their work, their wins, and how they’ve grown. It’s all about celebrating their successes and showing off your teaching chops.
Don’t’s
- Overwhelm with Content: Keep it chill. Don’t cram too much into your open class or you’ll risk overwhelming everyone. Stick to the good stuff and dive deep into what matters most.
- Exclude Student Participation: Everyone’s got something to say. Encourage all your students to get involved, no matter their background or abilities. It’s all about making sure every voice is heard.
- Underestimate Preparation: Prep is key. Don’t skimp on it! Spend some quality time getting everything ready so your open class goes off without a hitch.
- Forget to Celebrate: Last but not least, don’t forget to celebrate! Give your students a big high-five for all their hard work and let them know how much you appreciate them.
Some Ideas for an Open Class:
Student Performances: Arrange for performances by the school band, choir, drama club, or dance team to showcase their talents.
Project Presentations and Exhibitions: Display students’ work, projects, and other achievements around the school for visitors to view. Ask students to talk about their projects.
Scavenger Hunt: Organize a scavenger hunt for children, guiding their families to key areas of the school and allowing them to collect small prizes or stickers.
Escape Rooms: You can also design some escape rooms where students and their families have to solve different language puzzles to get out of the room!
Ted Talks are a great opportunity for students to develop their speaking skills and talk about the things they love. Check out the project HERE!
Now that you have all the do’s and don’ts for a successful open class, plus some ideas, you’re ready to knock it out of the park! Remember to plan, engage ALL your students in the process, and provide time for rehearsals to create a memorable open class that will leave a lasting impression in your community.
Take a sneak peek at what my students did last week!
