The purpose of a parent/teacher conference is really to ensure each child has a positive and effective school experience, according to Della Ferreri, a French teacher at Millbrook Middle School and High School. “A parent-teacher conference is an opportunity to discuss the child’s progress and to come together as a team to help the child be successful,” she says. Ferreri offers these tips to parents ahead of parent/teacher conference season:
Before the conference:
- Prepare by talking to your children about school. How do they feel they are doing academically?
- Ask your child to see her assignments. Do you notice any strengths or patterns?
- Come to the conference with an open mind. Children have strengths and weaknesses and it is normal to feel a little nervous knowing there might be a problem area to discuss.
- Write down the questions you want to ask beforehand so you’re less likely to get side tracked and forget your own thoughts.
READ MORE: Tips for dealing with bullies
During the conference:
- Ask your child’s teacher these important questions:
- How is my child doing in your class academically?
- How is my child doing in your class socially?
- What are her strengths?
- Are there areas my child needs to work on?
- How much homework should my child be doing?
- How can I support my child at home to help her be more successful?
- Are there after-school opportunities for extra help, if needed?
- Jot down notes to help you remember concerns and/or follow-up questions.
- Resist the urge to be defensive or to blame the teacher.You're both on the same team.
- Come up with a plan to work together.
READ MORE: Lunchbox tips for busy parents
After the conference:
- Put your new plan into action.
- Make sure your child is completing homework and work with her if she has any questions.
- Continue to keep the line of communication open with your child’s teacher.
- Keep in mind that as the year goes along, you may need to sit down with your child’s teacher again to revise your plan.
READ MORE: Read the full story in our October magazine.
Karen Kaufman Orloff is a freelance writer and author of nine books for children, including I Wanna Iguana, I Wanna New Room, and I Wanna Go Home. Her most recent book is Miles of Smiles.