Tips for Parents at Parent Teacher Conferences
With parent teacher conferences just around the corner here are a few tips for parents.
Is it important to attend the Parent-Teacher Conferences?
If possible, both parents should be there. The more you know about what is going on with your child at school, the more you can be involved and make a difference. Attending also lets your child know you care how they are doing in school. As a matter of fact, if you are involved as you should be with your child’s academics, you probably will not be surprised by any information given to you at the conference. Most of you already know what is going on at school, and if you’ve been helping with homework like my wife Kim and I. Then you need to be prepared to discuss strategies for improvement or enrichment.
Please remember, the teachers are making time for you to talk specifically one-on-one about your child. Please use this time wisely. Teachers work very hard to do what’s best for your child. If you can’t make your scheduled appointment, be sure to call and reschedule. It is important to be on time and be prepared with any questions you may have.
What questions should you ask at Parents teacher conferences?
Elementary Students:
1. First take time to listen and review the information provided.
2. Is my child in different groups for different subjects? Why?
3. How does my child get along with others?
4. What are my child’s best and worst subjects?
5. Is my child working up to his or her abilities?
6. Does my child participate in class discussions and activities?
7. What kinds of test are being done?
8. Be sure to ask the teachers on ways to help your child learn at home?
High School Students:
1. How is the class organized?
2. What is the daily routine?
3. Has my child shown any special interests or abilities?
4. Does my child work well on his/her own, or does he/she need close supervision?
5. What do you expect of me as the parent of a child in your class?
6. How can I help my child learn at home?
Don’t be on the defensive:
There is always the possibility that you might hear something about your child that makes you unhappy or disappointed. Though most teachers try to convey any negative behavior patterns or places where improvements are needed in as gentle and as positive a manner as possible, you still might feel defensive.
Let’s face it—“that is our kid she’s talking about!” “How dare that teacher say that about my KID!” Believe me, Kim and I have a kid that is as ornery as they come and we love him dearly and we hate to hear negative things about his behavior or actions. However, we do take a deep breath and try and remember that we, (the teacher, Kim and I) are in this together and we all want what is best for our son the STUDENT. So we try and work with the teacher, not against him or her.
I do not know any teachers who are in it for the money. As someone who actually went to college to become a teacher, I can tell you it is all about helping the kids succeed. So please listen to what the teacher tells you about your child and please ask questions or give suggestions about things you can do to help improve in areas your child is lacking. If the parents and teacher work together it will increase the chances of your child’s success.