1. Check perceptions.
Do you and your child's teacher have the same impression of your child's abilities, performance, and social skills? Good or bad, if they match, great! If not, find our why.
2. Exchange information.
Go over the topics on the list you prepared. Give the teacher permission to skip over what you already know [report cards etc.] unless they have extra information. Listen to any new or additional information or concerns the teacher has. This is an exchange to get everybody up to speed and on the same page.
3. Make a plan.
This is the key part of the most helpful conferences. Together, using the information you have shared, you and the teacher together should come up with a specific plan to maintain or improve your child's school experience, academically and socially. Aim for specific goals or strategies. Example: If your child struggles on tests, are there unit outlines, checklists, etc. available for you to use to help? Can you make flashcards? Can the teacher suggest a good study buddy or good match for a friend? Are there ideas the teacher would like you to share with your child for getting along better?
4. Plan for a followup.
If there are concerns, your plan should include a way of checking back in to see if things have improved. If all seems well, agree on a way to communicate if things start to slip.
In the best conferences both sides feel heard and understood and the child's success is supported. For best results the parent-teacher conference should be only one of a series of conversations during the rest of the school year and every year. What are your favorite tips for good parent conferences???
Image credit: theheroparent.com
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