Special Situations
Involving Families
DEALING WITH DIVORCE
BLENDED FAMILIES
OPEN HOUSE
© Kappa Delta Pi 2014
Questions to Ponder
 What special challenges do children
of divorce face?
 What special challenges do divorced
parents face?
 What can you do to support families
of divorce?
 What special challenges do blended
families face?
© Kappa Delta Pi 2014
Children of Divorce
 Extend students consideration,
but don’t let them use the
divorce as an “excuse” for
inappropriate behavior.
 Be available to listen.
 Consider using books (bibliotherapy) to help
students address their feelings.
 Encourage counseling as appropriate.
 Do not use the term “broken family.”
© Kappa Delta Pi 2014
Blended Families
All families deserve your respect, care,
and consideration:

Be careful not to make judgments about their
personal circumstances.

Respect all confidential
information shared with you
(no gossiping!).

Avoid taking sides/playing
favorites with either parent.
© Kappa Delta Pi 2014
Blended Families
 Make every effort to communicate with
both sets of parents as appropriate.
 Be sure to use correct names for
blended family members.
 Work cooperatively to help students
navigate the challenges of living out
of two homes.
© Kappa Delta Pi 2014
Questions to Ponder
 What are your desired goals for the
Open House experience?
 How do you want the students’ parents
to feel about you and your classroom?
 What are the key messages you want
to communicate?
© Kappa Delta Pi 2014
Planning an Open House Event
Watch this parents’ meeting video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jr4vee4d-6c

What kind of impression did this teacher
make on the parents?

What was unique about this presentation?

What do you think the parents learned
from the presentation?
© Kappa Delta Pi 2014
Suggestions: Memorable Open House Event
 Help the parents learn about you.
 Share an overview of these components:
 Curriculum

Discipline policy, expectations

Special events

Special instructional materials

Specific ways family members can help
© Kappa Delta Pi 2014
Open House Final Tips

Display student work.

Display instructional resources.

Prepare a clean and organized classroom.

Greet parents warmly.

Avoid “conferences”
about student progress.
Open house is not the
time or place.
© Kappa Delta Pi 2014