When the kids were younger, I used to go to leave parent teacher conferences, and then, on the way home, think of a million questions I would have liked to ask. I know I could’ve made an appointment with the teacher to ask the follow-up questions, but to be honest, they weren’t life or death. They were just questions of curiosity.
I always got good reports, so I didn’t see any reason to schedule additional meetings. As the years went by, though, I got a little bit smarter about getting the most out of the visits. I mean, it is already kind of strange sitting across from another adult who spends hours with your child, and who might be about to tell things you may not know about them, so you might as well make the most of your teaming up.
Here’s a couple of tips to make sure you get the most out of your kids’ parent teacher conferences:
- Write down questions. You think you will remember, but the conversation may go in an unexpected direction, so a list will help you remember, should the conversation not organically remind you.
- Be prepared to offer insight into your own child. You know your child. If a teacher mentions they aren’t staying on task {or whatever}, ask follow-up questions. What is going on in the class during those times? Is it chaotic? {Maybe your child has trouble concentrating if the noise level is too high} It’s your job to help the teacher understand what your child needs.
- Talk to your child before you go. Ask, “what do you think Mr./Mrs. Teacher is going to say?” “Is there anything you want me to let him/her know?”
- Be early. One, it is just courteous to the teacher’s already full schedule. Two, if the conference before you ends early, you might get a little extra time with the teacher.
- Be sure to ask the teacher how he/she likes to be communicated with if you have a concern or question. Is email the best route? Text? A note with your child?
- No matter the age, ask the teacher to outline homework expectations. How much involvement do they want YOU to have in the nightly homework routine? As kids get older, I’ve found that teachers actually prefer that they aren’t guided through their homework as much {they want them to transition to more independent habits}. The thing is, WHEN that actually happens depends on the grade and the teacher, so I’ve found it is best to just ask.
- Be open-minded. If a teacher brings up one of your child’s flaws, try to remember it isn’t a personal attack. They are mentioning it for both your input and in an effort to help the child {or at least, that has always been my experience}.
- If the teacher suggests a plan of action for either behavior or academics, schedule another follow-up visit right then and there. That way, the teacher knows you are on board, and you can check back to make sure the plan is working.
That’s about it for the things I’ve learned over the years. Any of you have any tips you’d like to add? Teachers, what would YOU like to see more of from parent teacher conferences?
~Mavis
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