Open House Bingo: 25 Things That Happen Every. Single. Year.
Share
Back-to-school Open House: where the copier is jamming, the name tags are curling, and a parent quietly whispers, “We’re a peanut-free classroom, right?” Teachers, this one’s for you—a little humor boost before the hallways fill up and the questions begin.
How to Play
Print the list below or screenshot it. When one of these classic moments happens, mark your square. Five in a row? You win eternal bragging rights and one deep breath behind the classroom door.
Open House Bingo — The 25 Squares
- Someone asks where the bathrooms are while standing next to the sign that says “Bathrooms →”.
- A parent says, “We’re still on vacation brain.” You nod because… same.
- Three students try to sit at the same desk because it’s the one near the window.
- Someone brings a sibling who immediately discovers the fidget bin.
- “Do you accept late work?” is asked before you’ve said hello.
- Your slideshow works perfectly—until it doesn’t.
- “What’s your policy on extra credit?” (in week zero!)
- Glue stick mysteriously loses its cap within 30 seconds.
- A parent whispers, “Math changed since I was a kid.”
- Someone asks if there will be snacks. (There are always snacks.)
- The sharpies go missing and reappear uncapped like a crime scene.
- At least one “We’re a peanut-free classroom, right?” confirmation.
- Your “phones away” slide gets photographed… on a phone.
- “Will this be on the test?” makes its first seasonal appearance.
- Two parents ask for conferences tonight.
- One student calls you “Mom” or “Dad” and then melts from embarrassment.
- Someone compliments the classroom plants. (They’ve been alive 3 days.)
- That one chair squeaks at maximum decibels during your big line.
- The printer claims it’s out of paper. It is not out of paper.
- A parent wants your entire curriculum in a TikTok-length summary.
- “He’s gifted… but also needs to move every 30 seconds.”
- Five kids ask about the class pet. There is no class pet.
- Whiteboard doodle appears with neither culprit nor witness.
- You meet a future comedian who says, “So… lots of homework?”
- Three different spellings of the same student’s name across your forms.
Quick Wins for a Smooth Night
- Greeter Sign + QR Codes: One QR for your syllabus, one for your email list, one for classroom wish list.
- “Ask Me About” Table Tents: Topics: grading, communication, supplies, “How to help at home.”
- Exit Ticket: Parents write one hope & one concern. You get gold before day one.
Teacher-Approved Icebreakers (That Actually Work)
- Two Truths & a Teacher Tale: You share two true facts and one legendary almost-truth. Students guess the stretch.
- Silent Post-It Graffiti: Prompt: “What helps you learn best?” The wall becomes instant insight.
- “What’s in the Backpack?” Quick show-and-tell from students who want to share a favorite supply.
Bring the Laughs (and Lower the Nerves)
Humor makes everything feel possible—especially when 28 parents are staring at you. If you want to set the tone from the first hello, these EDUHaHa favorites always get a grin:
- Grammar Guardians — for when commas matter and so do chuckles.
- Pep Rally Mojo — bring the energy without losing your sanity.
- AI-Approved Teacher Gifts — clever, classroom-safe, and parent-night ready.
Final Bell
Whether you blackout the bingo card or just survive the slideshow, you’re already winning. Here’s to a year of learning, laughing, and hiding the good markers.
EDUHaHa Approved. Because Open House is a performance—and you’re the headliner.