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Get the Most out of Parent Teacher Conferences
When your child comes home with a note for parent teacher conferences, take some time and be prepared. Remember, you are your child’s best advocate. By speaking to your child beforehand and knowing what questions to ask during the conference, you will be able to get the most out of this valuable session.
Prior to the conference, talk with your child about how he or she feels about school. Make a list of concerns and areas of confidence. There may be issues that teachers are unaware of. Once you are in the conference, be prepared to ask questions, such as:
- What subjects does my child find easy or hard? - Explore ways to help your child enjoy learning. Accentuate the positives and find ways to help them better understand the areas that are a struggle.
- Is my child in different groups for different subjects? Why? - Schools often conduct tests and evaluations of students. If your child is a slow reader, he or she might be moved into a group that receives individual attention. Some tests can be medical, like for hearing or sight. If children do not pass these tests at a certain level, their desk may be moved closer to the teacher. Be sure to ask about any changes that have been made since the start of the school year.
- How well does my child get along with others? - Children don’t always tell mom and dad when they have been isolated, but this can become a serious concern regarding social development. Find out if your child is involved in a social group. Ask how the group interacts and if you should be concerned with group norms.
- Is there a possible personality clash that may need to be addressed? - Every child has a unique personality, so don’t be afraid to talk with the teacher about personality conflicts. Ask about the specific teaching and learning styles that work best for your child.
- Has my child missed classes or assignments that I’m unaware of? - If your child is missing classes or not handing in assignments, the issue should be addressed immediately. Give teachers your phone number and email address so they may contact you if the problem persists.
Most teachers only allow 15-20 minutes per parent session, so make sure to ask the most important questions early. Teachers often use conference time to gain a better understanding of your home environment, so be prepared to answer questions regarding your child’s habits and hobbies, too.
After the meeting, review your notes. Now that you know how your child is doing, take steps that will assist him or her in school. If the teacher has made you aware of learning difficulties, extra tutoring may be the best remedy. Taking action early will keep small problems from becoming big ones.
For further information, contact:
Chad Schwartz
Tutoring Club
(702) 588-5288
cschwartz@tutoringclub.com
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