Parent-teacher conferences occur at least once a school year. Many schools opt to have at least two a year, to help keep parents apprised of the progress their child is making in class. The teacher will spend a great deal of time preparing what she has to say. The parents must do the same.
Parent-Teacher Relationship
Take advantage of opportunities to establish a relationship with the teacher. Attend any “getting-to-know-you” sessions. Visit during any Open Houses or Parent Nights. Make it a point to introduce yourself to the teacher and connect yourself with your child. Share any information that may help the teacher better understand your child (e.g. fears, special needs). Do not offer up a lot of personal information and do not request it from the teacher. Keep the relationship on a professional level. Remember she is your ally!
Communication with the Teacher
Be sensitive to the teacher’s availability for conversations outside of the parent-teacher conference. She should provide you with “office hours” for phone conversations. If available, she may provide an e-mail address for correspondence. She may also accept little written notes from you to her. Communicating with the teacher shows that you are interested in your child’s progress. It also allows for fewer surprises at the actual conference time.
Communication with the teacher includes many things. Ask questions about homework and tests. Ask what behaviors the teacher is noticing at school. Share behaviors you are seeing at home. Alert the teacher to any changes that may be occurring in the child’s life. You don’t have to give specifics, but giving her notice that situations are changing will help her understand behavioral changes at school.
Preparation for the Parent-Teacher Conference
For at least a week before the conference, start compiling your notes. Make a list of any questions you may have, with examples. Gather homework and tests that have come home. List your concerns. List positive comments about what you’re seeing.
Inquire about observing the class prior to the meeting. Sometimes classroom observation can give you some insight into your child’s situation.
Attending the Parent-Teacher Conference
Be courteous to other parents. Arrive to your conference on time and end on time. Everyone has a busy schedule. Follow-up conversations can occur at a later date, either in person or by phone or email.
Be courteous to the teacher. Let her speak first. Be a good listener and keep an open mind. Jot down any suggestions she may give then think about them. Don’t attack her if you disagree with something she says. Voice your concerns. If needed, sit on your comments and wait until you have calmed down and can rationally discuss them. If that doesn’t work, set up a meeting with an administrator to help work out your problems.
Take advantage of the time you are given to speak and share your concerns. The teacher should be respectful of you, as well, and listen with an open mind.
Ask what you can do at home.
Following up a Parent-Teacher Conference
Set up a follow-up appointment to discuss further progress, based on suggestions discussed during the parent-teacher conference. The more issues occurring, the sooner the follow-up needs to be.
Keep track of suggestions made by the teacher, your implementation of the suggestions, and any successes or failures.
Read tips for teachers here:
Preparing for a Parent-Teacher Conference
Andrea Coventry - Andrea Coventry is a Montessori child, now Montessori educator, with 25 years' experience with children, publishing online since 2007.
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