Making the Most of Parent-Teacher Conferences

By Dinah Torres Castro

It’s that time of year…parent-teacher conferences are around the corner! If it’s your first parent-teacher conference, you may be anxious about what to expect. Here are some tips that will help even the veteran parent feel more at ease and better able to handle the meeting in a way that will produce successful outcomes for all involved. Remember, the main goal of the parent-teacher conference is to help your child succeed in school.

Before the conference:

1. Talk to your child—get an idea of what your child’s attitude toward school is, how he thinks he’s doing, what his favorite subject is and what he likes least, how he gets along with his teacher and fellow students, and if there is anything he would like you to ask his teacher.
2. Write down your own questions and concerns. Ask about school practices, policies and curricula. Be prepared to ask about your child’s performance and progress. Ask how she is behaving in class and whether she has a positive attitude. And, of course, ask how you can be more supportive of her schoolwork. Come prepared with a list of family situations that might affect your child’s behavior or learning ability in school. These can include anything going on at home —a recent move to a new neighborhood, a new baby, an illness in the family, divorce, or other stressful event. You can also give the teacher some insight about your child by sharing details about her temperament, habits, interests, or problems.
3. Ideally, both parents should attend. Even though this isn’t always possible, it is a good idea for both of you to sit down and discuss your concerns before the meeting. If one parent then attends the conference, at least there is input from both parents.

At the conference:

1. Be on time—if you cannot make your appointment, be considerate and call to reschedule. When you get to the conference, be sure to introduce yourself. And relax…remember the two of you share the same goal: to help your child succeed in school.
2. Share the information about your child that you prepared. Ask the teacher how you can help your child do better. Listen respectfully, and try not to get defensive or argumentative.
3. Don’t be shy in asking the teacher to explain anything you don’t understand. Ask to see samples of your child’s work.
4. Let the teacher know that you appreciate what he/she is doing. Make sure you mention what has been helpful or positive in the meeting and express thanks. Provide phone numbers and email addresses for both parents, and ask to be kept informed about your child’s progress.

After the conference:

1. Start to put into action what you and the teacher agreed on at the conference. These might include reading together for an extra 5 minutes every night, or spending more time on spelling words.
2. Share what you learned with your child and your spouse. Let them know that you and the teacher care.
3. Monitor your child’s progress and stay in touch with the teacher.

Tips for everyday:

1. Make sure your child starts the morning with a nutritious breakfast. Research shows that children who regularly eat breakfast score higher on tests and achieve better grades in school.
2. Practice active listening with your child. School problems sometimes begin as spin-offs from other areas of life.
3. Get help—if your child is struggling in school, contact the teacher or school administrator to find out about tutoring or programs that can provide homework help.
4. Be a good role model—if a parent is continually learning or reading, the child will know that education is important and valuable.
5. Be generous with your praise. Children respond to positive reinforcement. Be sure to praise the effort your children make, even when they are struggling.

Adapted from Parent Pages.

Developed by Tim Jahn, Human Development Specialist; Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County.

For more information:

Working with Teachers to Support Children’s Learning

http://www.wyomingextension.org/agpubs/pubs/B1095.pdf

Dinah Castro is a Bilingual Family Well-Being Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Family Health and Wellness Program. She can be reached at 631-727-7850 ext. 351 or at dc258@cornell.edu.