It’s that time of the year.
No, I’m not referring to the arrival of Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks!
It’s Parent Teacher Conference time- your chance to get a behind-the-scenes view of how your child is doing at school.
Conferences usually happen twice a year – Fall and Spring. If your child’s school doesn’t routinely offer these meetings, consider requesting a meeting to discuss your child’s progress and goals.
It’s smart to think ahead and prepare for your time with the teacher so you can make the most of the opportunity.
Plus, being prepared shows the teacher you truly care about your child’s education and that you respect the teacher’s time.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for your time with the teacher:
- Before your conference, talk with your child about how he/she likes school. Ask her how she feels she is doing in her classes. Ask her if she understands the work or if she feels like she needs help in any areas. For tips on how to get your child to open up and talk about school, check out this post.
- Think ahead. Assess your thoughts about the school, the classroom and teacher, the workload, and your child’s needs. Do you think those needs are being met? Do you have a good understanding of what your child’s school day is like? Are there any issues at home or lifestyle changes the teacher should be aware of?
- Make notes beforehand. Write down your questions or concerns so you don’t forget anything. Bring your notes and a pen with you to the meeting.
- Arrive a little early. Before the meeting, find out exactly where to find the teacher (in her classroom or in an office) and what time to be there.
- Wrap up the meeting in a timely fashion. Teachers are busy, and she most likely has another parent coming in after you.
- Have an open, positive attitude during the meeting keeping in mind that you and the teacher are on the same team.
Here are some questions you might ask your child’s teacher:
- Does my child participate in class? Does she ask for help when needed?
- Does my child seem to like school?
- How does my child interact with peers?
- Does my child turn in his/her homework?
- Is my child performing on grade level?
- What is the best way for me to communicate with you?
- What can I do to help at home?
After the meeting, earn an A+ by sending the teacher a handwritten thank you note expressing your appreciation for her time and all her work. Need some stationery? Check out: these and these.
Would you like help and advice about good manners? For my very best tips plus simple lessons to help you teach your family good manners at home, enter your email below. I’ll send you The Busy Moms Guide to Raising Confident, Considerate, and Mannerly Kids as a thank you.
