Whether for a parent-teacher conference to solve a problem or simply to get to know the professional who spends several hours a day with your child, we hope you will, at some time or another this year, talk with your child’s teacher(s). Developing a personal relationship with your child’s teacher(s) can have a positive effect on your child’s performance at school. Here are some tips to make your visit as positive and productive as possible.
Before you meet with your child’s teacher, spend time determining what you would like to know as a result of the meeting. Some questions you may want to ask include:
- How well does my child get along with others?
- What are my child’s strongest skills and abilities?
- What are my child’s weak areas, and how can I help?
- Have you noticed sudden changes in the way my child acts?
It’s a good idea to ask the most important questions first, just in case time runs out before you have a chance to discuss them all.
Talk to your child before the meeting. Is there anything he or she would like you to discuss with the teacher?
Be on time for your meeting and take notes. If you need clarification, ask for it.
Bring up any problems your child is having, concerns about rumors you’ve heard, or issues your child has told you about school, but put off making up your mind until you’ve had a chance to talk to the teacher.
Keep the focus of the meeting on resolving problems and mapping out a plan that can help your child. Remember, both you and the teacher want the best learning experience possible for your child. Together, you can provide it.