Fall is traditionally the season when parents and teachers get together to review a student's academic progress, and plan for future success. But a parent-teacher conference could come at any time of the year. Whenever it takes place, it's important to make the most of a parent-teacher conference in order to help
your tween succeed in school.
Be Positive About the Parent-Teacher Conference
StockxpertIt's important to go into any meeting with a positive attitude. Make sure you don't put the teacher on the defensive right away. To get off on the right foot, ask the teacher a motivating question such as, "How enthusiastic are the students this year?" or "What is it about 5th graders that makes them so interesting to teach?" Being positive at the beginning of the parent-teacher conference helps set the tone for the rest of the meeting.
Ask About Concerns
One of the reasons for having a parent-teacher conference is to discuss concerns. If you have any concerns about your child's education or attitude toward learning, now is the time to bring them up. If your child's enthusiasm for learning has taken a nosedive, ask if there are any social problems at school, such as
bullying. If your tween's grades are falling, ask the teacher if she has any opinions as to what might be the problem. In addition, if there are any personal or family issues that you think your child's teacher should know about, the conference is an ideal setting in which to discuss them.
Establish A Team Atmosphere
Your child will benefit from a parent-teacher team approach to education. Make it clear to the teacher that you're excited about working together, and support your words with offers to help in the classroom. If that's not possible, offer to take on another project that you can accomplish from home or in your own time. Teachers always welcome support from parents, and many depend on it in order to keep the class motivated and excited about learning. Other ways to express support include chaperoning a field trip, grading tests, talking to the class about a subject you know a lot about, organizing a party, etc. Be sure to ask your child's teacher for additional suggestions on how you can help.Focus On Your Tween's Needs
Another purpose of a parent-teacher conference is to assess your child's progress, assess his needs, and develop a strategy for learning success. Ask your child's teacher to specify your child's strengths and weaknesses and how they factor into his learning experience. Ask for advice on helping your tween overcome learning obstacles. Be sure to contribute information about your child that his teacher may not know. For example, if your child learns best through tactile methods, share that information so that his teacher may consider that when developing teaching plans.Get The Big Picture
Your teacher has concerns that go beyond your child's learning experience. Ask your child's teacher about his or her goals for the class, and how the class mission will impact your child's learning experience.Be Clear About Responsibilities
Make sure you understand your child's responsibilities while at school (writing down homework assignments, for example) as well as your responsibilities (making sure there is enough time in the day to
finish homework, read, etc.).
Seek Your Tween's Input
Your tween may have a question or two for his teacher that he'd like you to ask. Seek his input before you go to the parent-teacher conference, he may bring up an important point or two that wouldn't occur to you.Continue The Conversation
A parent-teacher conference shouldn't be the only time parents and teachers connect. Consider periodic conversations either in person, via phone or through letters or email so that you may stay on top of your child's learning experience.
