Back to School/Open house
Help your child start the school year successfully with practical questions to ask K–8 teachers during back-to-school night or open house in the Brookings, South Dakota School District.
Cindy Williams
8/18/20263 min read
What Parents Should Ask at Back-to-School Night
Back-to-school night or open house is an excellent opportunity to meet your child’s teacher, learn about classroom expectations, and begin building a positive home-school connection.
These events are often busy, so parents may only have a few minutes with the teacher. Instead of trying to discuss every concern, focus on a few questions that will help you understand what your child will experience during the school year.
Helpful Questions for Parents of K–8 Students
1. What are the most important skills students will learn this year?
This question helps you understand the major reading, writing, math, and study skills your child will be expected to master. Knowing the year’s main goals can also help you support classroom learning at home.
2. How will I know how my child is doing?
Ask how the teacher communicates grades, assessment results, missing assignments, and concerns. Some teachers use an online parent portal, while others send home folders, emails, newsletters, or progress reports.
You may also want to ask how often you should check for updates.
3. What does homework look like in this grade?
Homework expectations can vary greatly from kindergarten through eighth grade. Ask how often homework will be assigned, approximately how long it should take, and what parents should do if their child becomes frustrated or cannot complete an assignment.
4. How much reading should my child do at home?
Find out whether the teacher has a nightly reading expectation and whether students may choose their own books. You can also ask if the teacher has recommendations based on your child’s grade level and interests.
5. What assessments will students take?
Ask how the teacher will measure your child’s progress throughout the year. Depending on the grade, this may include reading-fluency checks, spelling assessments, unit tests, writing assignments, math assessments, projects, or district testing.
It is also helpful to ask how assessment results will be shared with families.
6. What should I do if my child begins to struggle?
Learn how the teacher provides additional help and when families are contacted. You may ask about small-group instruction, intervention programs, extra practice, after-school help, or other available support.
Addressing a concern early can prevent a small learning gap from becoming a larger one.
7. How can I support learning at home?
Teachers may suggest reading together, practicing math facts, reviewing vocabulary, checking the assignment planner, or helping your child develop a consistent homework routine.
For older students, support may mean helping them learn to organize materials and manage their time rather than completing work for them.
8. What is the best way to contact you?
Ask whether the teacher prefers email, phone calls, messaging through a school app, or another communication method. You should also find out approximately how long it usually takes to receive a response.
Questions to Ask Your Child
After the open house, include your child in the conversation. You might ask:
What are you most excited about this year?
Is there anything making you feel nervous?
What would you like to improve this year?
How can I help you feel prepared?
Your child’s answers may help you notice concerns that did not come up during the open house.
One Final Tip
Back-to-school night is usually designed for introductions and general information. It may not be the best time for a detailed conversation about your child’s individual needs. If you have a private concern, ask the teacher to schedule a phone call, meeting, or conference.
Parents and teachers share the same goal: helping each child feel successful, supported, and confident. Asking thoughtful questions at the beginning of the year can create a strong partnership that benefits your child all year long.
If your child needs additional help with reading, writing, math, or homework skills, Cindy’s Tutoring Services would be glad to help your family explore the support that may be right for your child.
