Parent-Teacher Conferences

I have been away from my blog for far too long.  I am busy getting to know my students, learning third grade curriculum and getting prepared for Parent-teacher conferences.  As I am sitting here at my kitchen table preparing for parent-teacher conferences, I have created my newest blog-post:  

Making the Most of Parent-Teacher Conferences

I spend the first month of school getting to know each child and gathering data.  I know I have a lot to share, and am excited to visit with parents!  Student teachers are always amazed at the time and energy put into these very short meetings.  But, getting to know your students not only prepares you not only for conferences; it prepares you for a successful year of responsive teaching.

Parent-teacher conferences offer great opportunities to deepen a working relationship with parents.  It is my goal to highlight their child's strengths, celebrate their gifts and interests, and discuss growth opportunities. 

A little planning is vital to effective conferences.

Here are some tips for new teachers:

Make an outline and gather materials and baseline data. A plan for how you'll divide up the time will help you stay on track:

5 minutes: Opening conversation

5 minutes: Report on academic progress, successes, and growth areas

5 minutes: Report on social progress, successes and growth areas

5 minutes: Summing up

·      I put all my baseline data in a quick table in outline format.  This is something the parents can read at a glance and take home with them.

·      If a parent raises an urgent issue or has concerns that need further discussion, it may be beneficial to schedule another conference or meeting.

·      In addition to writing an outline, you'll want to make notes for topics you want to cover, have student work samples, assessment results, and anything else you want to share with parents.

·      Invite parents to share their thoughts. As experts on their children, parents can share valuable insights.

·      As a team, set goals that are attainable within the school year.  We want each child to grow and learn the entire year.

Be Prepared for Surprises

·      Parents sometimes surprise us with negative or personal questions or comments.

·      Steer the conversation back to positives.

·      Focus on the child.

·      Listen with empathy.

·      Offer to get help.

Follow Up and Follow Through

If you offered to find resources, gather information, and so forth, make sure you do so—and share the results with parents.

Weekly or monthly newsletters are a great way to keep parent informed of what is going on in the classroom.
Send home a copy of the goals (adding a little thank you comment helps with establishing good rapport with the parents).

Each parent-teacher conference can be a powerful occasion for meaningful communication with families. Thinking ahead and following some simple guidelines will help ensure that conferences are positive and productive for everyone.