5. Ask questions and request details.
The adult in attendance should prepare for a parent teacher conference by considering questions in advance they feel are important to be addressed. If a caregiver says Sam is doing well in his classroom, feel free to ask for more specifics. If it is a concern, such as Madison seems to have a great need of approval from adults, ask for more details. What does Sam do to indicate this response? How does Madison seem needy? Of course, parents should never be confrontational; the best approach is through expressing interest and curiosity.
6. Be on time, show respect, and do not bring in outside distractions.
Some caregivers report that getting meaningful face time with adults is often a challenge. Surprisingly, they will sometimes show up late, bring other children, and worse of all, answer a phone call during the middle of a parent teacher conference. Adults should have the attitude that it is their time with the caregiver, and be careful to avoid any disruptions or distractions during this time. Cell phones are an absolute no-no. Be sure to turn it to silent, or better yet, leave it in the car. Isn't quality time more important than a call? (Of course, there may be a reason to keep a phone nearby, but it still can be turned to silent during this time.)
7. Attend all parent teacher conference opportunities and group meetings.
A parent teacher conference may be referenced as a meet the teacher or curriculum night, but by any name, it is still a time for parents and providers/teachers to interact. Some providers have indicated that they regularly schedule parent teacher conferences in conjunction with open houses, book fairs, meet the teacher night, curriculum reviews, and even come-and-go settings, only to be disappointed when no parent shows up. Being a parent is time consuming and a demanding job; but parent teacher conferences are designed to make the experiences of raising children and learning all the academic and social skills needed a more smooth experience.
8. Don't be afraid to ask for a parent teacher conference at any time if you need or desire additional information.
If your child's center or school indicates that a parent teacher conference is routinely scheduled twice a year and you desire one now, don't be afraid to ask. Most teachers will welcome the opportunity to provide additional information, and also are eager to allay any concerns as quickly as possible. Do provide the courtesy of scheduling a parent teacher conference, however. Teachers indicate that adults dropping by announced sometimes does not allow them the proper time needed to prepare information or also to get other help with the other children who need care and supervision.
9. What's next?
The parent teacher conference is over. What is the next step? Grown-ups should carefully review comments made by the caregiver, and if needed, follow up on any suggestions made that could improve a child's learning. For example, if the teacher comments that Alex often falls asleep during activity times, that observation is a sure sign he needs more rest. Moms and dads should adjust the bed time to help resolve the situation. If it is noted that Ashley seems to not respond when her name is called, perhaps her hearing should be checked. Above all, parents should rationally and logically review the information and discern which behaviors are normal for the age and which ones might require additional intervention. And, above all, work with your child's caregiver to reach a positive solution for everyone. In the end, the parent teacher conference is a tool for fostering effective two-way communication and create a more positive learning environment for kids, adults, and providers alike.
The adult in attendance should prepare for a parent teacher conference by considering questions in advance they feel are important to be addressed. If a caregiver says Sam is doing well in his classroom, feel free to ask for more specifics. If it is a concern, such as Madison seems to have a great need of approval from adults, ask for more details. What does Sam do to indicate this response? How does Madison seem needy? Of course, parents should never be confrontational; the best approach is through expressing interest and curiosity.
6. Be on time, show respect, and do not bring in outside distractions.
Some caregivers report that getting meaningful face time with adults is often a challenge. Surprisingly, they will sometimes show up late, bring other children, and worse of all, answer a phone call during the middle of a parent teacher conference. Adults should have the attitude that it is their time with the caregiver, and be careful to avoid any disruptions or distractions during this time. Cell phones are an absolute no-no. Be sure to turn it to silent, or better yet, leave it in the car. Isn't quality time more important than a call? (Of course, there may be a reason to keep a phone nearby, but it still can be turned to silent during this time.)
7. Attend all parent teacher conference opportunities and group meetings.
A parent teacher conference may be referenced as a meet the teacher or curriculum night, but by any name, it is still a time for parents and providers/teachers to interact. Some providers have indicated that they regularly schedule parent teacher conferences in conjunction with open houses, book fairs, meet the teacher night, curriculum reviews, and even come-and-go settings, only to be disappointed when no parent shows up. Being a parent is time consuming and a demanding job; but parent teacher conferences are designed to make the experiences of raising children and learning all the academic and social skills needed a more smooth experience.
8. Don't be afraid to ask for a parent teacher conference at any time if you need or desire additional information.
If your child's center or school indicates that a parent teacher conference is routinely scheduled twice a year and you desire one now, don't be afraid to ask. Most teachers will welcome the opportunity to provide additional information, and also are eager to allay any concerns as quickly as possible. Do provide the courtesy of scheduling a parent teacher conference, however. Teachers indicate that adults dropping by announced sometimes does not allow them the proper time needed to prepare information or also to get other help with the other children who need care and supervision.
9. What's next?
The parent teacher conference is over. What is the next step? Grown-ups should carefully review comments made by the caregiver, and if needed, follow up on any suggestions made that could improve a child's learning. For example, if the teacher comments that Alex often falls asleep during activity times, that observation is a sure sign he needs more rest. Moms and dads should adjust the bed time to help resolve the situation. If it is noted that Ashley seems to not respond when her name is called, perhaps her hearing should be checked. Above all, parents should rationally and logically review the information and discern which behaviors are normal for the age and which ones might require additional intervention. And, above all, work with your child's caregiver to reach a positive solution for everyone. In the end, the parent teacher conference is a tool for fostering effective two-way communication and create a more positive learning environment for kids, adults, and providers alike.
