Five things every parent should know about parent-teacher conferences highlights the importance of everyone working together for the sake of the kids.
Approximately two times each year, school districts schedule time for the parents and teachers to come together, form a partnership, and develop a working relationship to reach their desired goals. These meetings are referred to as Parent-Teacher Conferences, or Report Card Pick-Up Days.
This is your time to engage in conversation, and discuss your child’s future for the school year.
For many years, some parents, guardians and caregivers have avoided these meetings. Many have indicated that they don’t know what to expect, and don’t want to hear the negative things the teachers have to say about their child. While this is true for some parents, yet there are others who can’t wait to meet the teachers and discuss their child’s progress.
The purpose of this article is to ease some of your anxiety, and help you to become more comfortable with your visits to the school.
Here are five things you should know as you prepare for your next parent-teacher conference.
During your meeting, you can expect to get an overview of the teacher’s plans for the year. Feel free to ask questions about how your child’s needs fit into that overall plan. How they will benefit from being in that classroom, and what they are expected to know by the end of the school year ?
You can expect to get an update on your child’s progress, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in each class.
The teacher will probably share samples of your child’s work, which may be displayed on the bulletin boards, or in their individual folders.
Rules for the classroom and school policies and procedures maybe discussed.
The fifth and important point to remember is….. Most teachers are parents too. When it comes to their children, they have the same concerns as you. They also attend parent-teacher conferences, listen to the teachers and ask questions about things they don’t understand. Both of you want your kids to do well in school, be the best they can be, and grow up and live productive lives.
In addition to the information the teachers share with you, be prepared to have questions of your own. Here are some ideas to stir your thinking.
How is my child is doing in your class ?
How can I support him/her at home ?
Can we email you during non-school hours to ask questions regarding homework, missed assignments or student absences ?
Ask about each teacher’s homework policy. Each teacher is different, and their homework policies vary. Some assign lots of homework each night and on weekends, while others do not.
As you reflect on the five things every parent should know about parent-teacher conferences, remember the children need both of you working together and collaborating on their behalf. The unknown author of this quote said it best, “It takes teamwork to make the dream work.”
Please share some experiences that you’ve gained from attending school conferences.
Sharing your thoughts and ideas in the box below will be most helpful to new parents, or those who may feel somewhat uncomfortable visiting the school.
To learn more or to get your questions answered privately, email me at Ruby@rubyfreeman2.com
Go to www.Helpingkidslearn.org to get your Free Report on Six Ways Your Child May Be Struggling In School
Here’s to a successful school year!
Ruby Freeman
Wishing you much success,
Ruby Freeman, Academic Coach / Founder of HelpingKidsLearn.org / Ruby@HelpingKidsLearn.org
