Steps
- Ask your child if there is anything that he would like you to discuss with the teacher.
- Arrive promptly or a few minutes early.
- Jot down everything that you want to talk about at the conference.
- Begin with positive comments about the teacher or classroom.
- Avoid lengthy discussions of topics that are not related to the purpose of the conference.
- Be open-minded to suggestions from the teacher.
- Keep your emotions under control.
- Take notes about what has been discussed to share with your child.
- Express appreciation for the conference.
- Do not stay beyond your allotted time.
Tips
- Parent-Teacher Conference
- Start the conference right: be there on time, and plan not to run over the amount of time that has been set aside, usually about 40 minutes.
- If you are a working parent who can't arrange to meet during regular hours, make this clear to the teacher and try to set up a time to meet that is good for both of you.
- The best conferences are those in which both teachers and parents stay calm and try hard to work together for one purpose and one purpose only: to help your child do well. Arguing, or blaming each other for problems your child is having, helps no one.
Warnings
- Ti Avoid Parent-Teacher Conferenceps to Avoid Parent-Teacher Conflicts
- Expect that your child's teacher knows what he or she is doing and that your child faces something worth anticipating.
- A twinge of jealousy over the affection your child shows for a teacher is a good sign that it's a good fit. Enjoy and don't complain.
- If you have something to say to the teacher about some need your child has, don't wait for the parent conference.
- If the chemistry seems wrong right from the beginning, be patient.
- Be involved in your child's academic life.
- Think back to your first Parent-Teacher Conference.
Sources and Citations
- http://school.familyeducation.com/parents-and-teacher/parent-teacher-conferences/38579.html
- http://www.nea.org/parents/ptconf.html
- http://school.familyeducation.com/parents-and-school/parent-teacher-conferences/38584.html
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