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Tips for Preparing for a Parent/Teacher Conference

by Evelyn Petersen

Hundreds of parents feel nervous about the first parent conference of the year, but remember that many teachers are just as nervous as you are. They need to tell you about your child's school progress in a very short time, they don`t know what questions you'll have, and their next parents may be waiting in the hall.
Also remember that what you have to say is just as important as what the teacher says. The purpose of the conference is to SHARE information about your child so that the teacher can do his or her best job of teaching. You know your child`s personality best, so plan to tell a little about your child`s strengths, talents and interests. You know what would make your child feel motivated to work hard. This is information you`ll need to share.

To make the best use of your short conference time, prepare ahead.

Before the conference:

Ask your child what he wants you to talk about. (This strategy may clue you in to possible problems.)

Decide whether or not to tell the teacher about any family problems that might be affecting your child's progress. (If your child has health problems, share them.)

Write down any questions you have ahead of time, and prioritize your list in case time runs short. Be specific. You may want to know how your child gets along with others, or if the teacher has suggestions about encouraging friendships. You may want to know how your child`s progress is assessed. Is there a record book? Does the teacher keep examples of your child`s work in a folder or portfolio?

Plan to leave a card for the teacher containing your home and work phone numbers.

During the conference:

Listen carefully as the teacher tells how your child is doing. Write down questions you have, if any, while he/she talks.

Tell the teacher the things about your child that you want him/her to know.

Ask your questions...both the questions you may have written down and questions you brought with you.

Find out if there are any problems, and brainstorm ways to work on them together. Ask for specific ways you can help at home. Sharing and working together is what conferences are all about.

After the conference, don't forget to talk with your child about it.

Ms. Petersen's nationally syndicated parenting column is carried in over 200 newspapers twice each week. As a family/parenting consultant, early childhood educator, Head Start consultant, and host of a series of parent training audio and video tapes, Ms. Petersen employs an approach of providing hands-on, nuts and bolts advice to parents across the country. Her new book "A Practical Guide to Early Childhood Planning: The What Why and How of Lesson Plans" has just been released.

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