How to Make the Most of this Important Meeting!

I know that most of us have just finished attending our children’s back to school nights, but trust me, Parent-Teacher Conferences are right around the corner!  These conferences may seem routine, but they are really a very important part of your relationship with your child’s teachers.   This fall, my three children are attending three different schools, two of the three have multiple teachers, and one of their schools is completely new to our family!  Yikes!  With this in mind, I have already begun to think about the upcoming conferences and would like to share some of my own thoughts on the topic, as well as a few ideas I found on-line at some terrific websites!

Be Prepared

  • Talk to your Child - Let him know that you are excited to meet his teacher(s) and reassure him that the conference is a positive thing – not an opportunity for a “tattling!”  Ask your child if he has any questions or concerns that he’d like you to convey to his teacher.
  • Talk to your Spouse - My recommendation is to attend conferences together, but if one parent cannot, ask for their input or questions in advance.  My husband and I treat conferences as a “date night” and head out for a glass of wine afterwards!
  • Jot Down Some Notes - Make a list of the questions that you (or your spouse or child) would like to ask, starting with the most important, in case you run out of time!  Don’t forget to inquire about your child’s social interactions as well as academics!

Some Possible Questions to Include 

  • What is on this year’s curriculum?
  • Are any special activities planned?
  • Are standardized tests administered this year? If so, how can I help my child to prepare?
  • How are students disciplined?
  • What are your expectations for my child? 
  • How will the students be evaluated? What percentage of their grade is determined by tests, effort, participation and so on?
  • How (and when) can I contact you? Inquire as to whether the teacher prefers to be reached by phone, email, or note.

 If you are unsure about what to ask, take a look at this informative article entitled, “Parent-Teacher Conference: The Five Must-Ask Questions” at familyeducation.com. 

At the Conference

  • Arrive Early or on Time - Since conferences are usually scheduled in 15 or 20 minute time slots, if you’re late you may miss most of your appointment!  It’s also a sign of respect for the parents who precede or follow you!
  • Be Positive - Have an open mind and keep emotions under control!  Express appreciation for the teacher’s hard work with the students and, if you can, volunteer to help out in the classroom.
  • Take Notes - Jot down the answers to your questions and leave when your allotted time is up!
  • Before you Leave - Stop by your child’s desk and leave a little note about your visit and let your child know just how terrific he is!  If you’re really on the ball, score high marks with your child by leaving a small surprise on the desk along with the note!  How about cute pencils, pens or erasers?  Stickers?  A special snack for the next day?  Give this idea some thought!

After the Conference

  • Talk with your Child (again!) - let your child know how much you enjoyed meeting his teacher and looking around the classroom!  Try to point out specific things that you noticed in the room!  If your conference didn’t go so well, share this with your spouse, but not your child- showing respect, even for a difficult teacher, is really important!
  • Take Action - implement any appropriate suggestions offered at the conference!

I hope that these ideas get you thinking about the important conversations in your near future!  Teachers play an extremely influential role in the lives of our children, and a great conference can lay the ground work for a successful academic year! 

Do you have any tips for a terrific Parent-Teacher Conference?  I’d love to hear!

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