Tip #39 from 365 Teacher Secrets for Parents (McKinley & Trombly) - Conferences with Teachers



Today's tip for parents from two talented teachers comes from 365 Teacher Secrets for Parents by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly.


#39

Conferences

 

What we anticipate seldom occurs; what we least expected generally happens.

~Benjamin Disraeli

 

            It begins before school even starts. You and your child are full of questions about the upcoming school year. By now, some of those questions have answered themselves as the days rolled by, but in their place, most likely, are new questions and concerns.

            If you have a question that absolutely can’t wait, of course it is best to call, write to, or visit your child’s teacher. Many specific questions about your child can and should wait until her teacher has had time to get to know her and she has time to discuss her with you in depth. For instance, you may want to know what your child’s greatest strengths are, her areas for growth, whether she is meeting the academic expectations of the class and attending to the variety of activities in the classroom. Conferences are set up just for that.

            Being prepared for a parent-teacher conference is perhaps the most important thing you can do. Here are some ways you can do that:

 

As soon as questions or comments begin to arise, write them down. Even though you think you will remember them, you may not once the discussion gets underway. This will also make you ask them. In the middle of a conference, there is the tendency to think, “Oh, never mind. That question is not really that important.” Yes, it is. If you took the time to write it down, you must care to know the answer, so ask it! Add to this list as new situations arise, and delete questions that have been answered prior to your scheduled conference.

●      Let the teacher begin if she wants to. Chances are she shares the same concerns you have and may answer your questions without you even asking them.

●      Ask for suggestions for ways in which you can work with your child at home. If there is a particular area (or many) that need special attention, the teacher should be able to provide you with remediation techniques. If “everything is going great” she can offer you ways to extend and enrich your child’s classroom learning.

●      Take notes about what the teacher tells you. Again, even though you think you will remember everything, there is a good possibility you may not once you get home.

●      Whenever possible, teachers usually prefer to talk with both of the child’s parents. Talking with both Mom and Dad can offer her more insight and help you as well because you won’t have to explain everything when you get home. In situations where the parents do not live together, teachers realize that it is often difficult to attend conferences together, but unfortunately, they may simply not have enough time allotted to them to schedule two separate conferences. Plan to show up on time (even early) to your conference. Be aware of how long your conference will last. (Usually around 15-20 minutes.) Try to adhere to the time limit. If you run out of time but still find you have much more to discuss, ask the teacher to schedule a separate time for you two to talk. Conferences are usually back-to-back and, just as you would not like to be kept waiting, neither will the family after you.

●      Feel free to speak up. Don’t let the formality of conferences interfere with their purpose- to discuss your child. The teacher is only a person just like you and may be just as apprehensive to talk with you as you are with her.

 

See our workbook at www.365TeacherSecrets.com for a sample page for you and your child to write down your questions and comments.

 


     Cindy McKinley Alder                                            Patti Trombly

 

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