7 Steps for a Successful Parent – Teacher Conference

Parent Teacher conferences are just around the corner. Are you ready? The parent –teacher conference is a great way to examine your child’s progress, share important observations and connect with your child’s teacher to build the home-school partnership.  

To make the most of your conference time, consider the following:

1.       Prepare questions ahead of time. The time allotted for conferences is often quite limited. At least one week prior to your conference, begin reflecting on your child’s progress. Ask your child what he thinks his teacher will tell you. List your questions and observations and bring them with you to the conference.  If you feel that your questions will require more discussion time, consider emailing them to the teacher prior to the conference so that she may have adequate time to prepare or schedule a longer conference time.

2.       Take notes.  Taking good notes will help you give your child accurate feedback following the conference, track progress as the year continues,  and assure that you have correct information to follow up on action items.

3.       Be willing to talk and listen. After reflecting for some time on what you want to share with your child’s teacher, it may take some effort to sit back and truly listen. This is especially difficult when a teacher shares challenges your child may be experiencing.  It is natural for us to feel discomfort when hearing negative information about our children. It is important that we resist getting caught up in emotion, and listen with an open mind, focused on finding solutions.

4.       When problems arise, explore solutions together.  Children are best supported when parents and teachers work as a team to develop and implement well informed strategies.  Both parents and teachers must follow through with the plan of action and communicate often to share feedback and modify the plan when necessary.

5.       Share what is working well for your child.  Teachers appreciate positive feedback! It encourages them and gives them valuable information on what works best for your child.

6.       Thank your child’s teacher. Teaching is a noble and challenging profession. Conference time is a good opportunity to take the time to let teachers know how much you appreciate them and the commitment they have made to your child. 

7.       Follow-up.  In the weeks following your conference, be sure to follow-up on any plans discussed.
 
A good Parent-Teacher-Child triad relationship is a key part of your child's academic success. Like all valuable relationships, it must be built on regular, positive communication; a cooperative spirit and mutual respect.  

~Sheila~
 Want to learn more about building the Home-School partnership? Register for our course, Allies for Excellence:Building the Home-School Partnership, Saturday, November 3. Click here for more information
 

Copyright ©2012 Gardener Parenting Consultants, LLC   All rights reserved