Getting the Most Out of Parent-Teacher Conferences
By Steve Bartholomew - FF/S
Parent-teacher conferences are now being scheduled for October. One of our goals with these conferences is to help your child have a successful school year. This is a great opportunity for you to obtain and share information.
Before the conference, think about questions you would like to ask the teacher. Some questions may include “What are the expectations for homework?” and “How are my child’s work habits?”
At the conference, keep an open mind. Remember that both you and teacher want to help your child succeed. Your goal is to work cooperatively and utilize two-way communication.
*Ask to see your child’s work. There is no better way to see how your child is progressing.
*Ask the teacher to explain terms that are new to you. Every profession has its own vocabulary which can be hard to understand. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.
*Discuss strengths and weaknesses and what you can do at home to help and support what the teacher is doing in the classroom.
*Sum up what you think has been said. Make sure both you and the teacher agree on any decision that was made about the child.
After the conference, stay in touch with the teacher. If you think of a question you didn’t ask, contact hm or her. Talk with your child and stress the positive things that the teacher said. Talk about suggestions for improvement.
Students in grades 3 and 4 have been invited to attend the conference with their parents.
I look forward to having you attend one of the informal talks within the next two weeks titled “What’s on Your Mind? How are We Doing? What Can We Do to Help?” The dates are as follows:
Monday, Oct. 3 for PK, K, and Pre-First 8-9 a.m. or 1:45-2:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 5 for grades 1 and 2 8-9 a.m. or 1:45-2:45 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 10 for grades 3 and 4 8-9 a.m. or 1:45-2:45 p.m.
