Meetings always yield better results when everyone involved is prepared for them. Parent-teacher conferences typically take place twice a year, once at the end of the first quarter of the school year (early November) and again at the end of the third quarter (late March).
These meetings are an important opportunity to share progress updates, discuss grades and coordinate with the people who spend almost as much time with your child as you do. Here’s what to keep in mind during your first few months back at school to be ready.
1. Track time spent on homework.
Knowing how much time your child is spending on homework can be helpful in determining whether they are struggling with a subject. Note whether they need help with homework, what help they need and how often. If your child is finishing homework too easily or doesn’t seem challenged by the work, it might be time to consider offering them extra educational opportunities.
2. Stay on top of test scores and grades.
Keep or print copies of your child’s report cards and review their scores from previous years. Are they struggling in an area in which they used to do well, or suddenly doing much better in another area? What changed?
3. Have a chat with your child.
As always, communication is key. Make sure you’re talking to your child regularly about life—and be sure to squeeze in some questions about school. Before the conference, tell your child that it’s taking place and explain why. Let your child know that if there’s something really good or not so great about school, they can tell you about it so you know what to talk about at the meeting.
4. Be ready to ask questions.
Note down your questions and concerns as you think of them before the meeting. Ask if the teacher has observed your child struggling in any areas, if your child is on track for their age and if your child seems engaged in the lessons. While academics are often front and center at parent-teacher conferences, it’s important to consider your child’s social development, too. Ask the teacher about how your child appears to be doing socially. Find out what your child’s mood is like in the classroom.
5. Be ready to listen, even if it’s hard.
Some children learn differently or struggle to learn in certain environments. If the teacher suggests an educational evaluation, it’s because they believe it will help your child learn. While the prospect of a learning disability can be intimidating for many parents, if your child does need help, it’s important to be open to receiving that help. Many children with learning differences or disabilities thrive when provided with appropriate support.
6. Follow up with your child.
After your parent-teacher conference, talk to your child in an age-appropriate way to let them know the basics of what you discussed. If there was a concern your child brought to your attention, let them know what is being done to address that concern. Communicating with your child after the meeting will reassure them and let them know that you and their teacher care about them.
7. Follow up with the teacher.
Whether you follow up with updates on an action plan or with a simple thank-you note, maintaining regular communication with your child’s teacher strengthens the parent-teacher relationship supporting your child.
Read More: Brushing Up on Dental Hygiene
