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Getting the Most Out of Parent/Teacher Conferences · 5–Minute Parenting: Tips to Help You Raise Competent, Godly Kids.

• 0:32
  SPEAKER_00: Welcome to episode number seven, getting the most out of a parent-teacher conference.
• 0:38
  SPEAKER_00: It's that time of year where a lot of schools begin to have their end-of-the-year parent-teacher conferences.
• 0:46
  SPEAKER_00: As both a parent and a teacher, I want to discuss some ways that you as a parent can get the most out of these conferences.
• 0:55
  SPEAKER_00: As a teacher, I know it takes a lot of time and effort for the teacher to prepare for these conferences, and then the time it takes to schedule and meet with all the parents in their class.
• 1:07
  SPEAKER_00: Usually this has to be done after school hours, so it means long days for your child's teacher.
• 1:13
  SPEAKER_00: Just trust that she or he wants to give you the best picture of your child's academic performance and how you can help your child succeed.
• 1:23
  SPEAKER_00: As a parent, on the other hand, I know I often have questions and concerns that I wanted to address at a parent-teacher conference.
• 1:31
  SPEAKER_00: So how do you do the how do you best prepare for such a conference?
• 1:36
  SPEAKER_00: Number one, I suggest you make a list of your concerns and questions before the actual conference.
• 1:43
  SPEAKER_00: This helps you organize your thoughts and it also helps you not to forget something important.
• 1:49
  SPEAKER_00: Number two, at the actual conference, allow the teacher to lead with his or her comments and concerns.
• 1:57
  SPEAKER_00: Ask for clarification of anything you don't understand.
• 2:01
  SPEAKER_00: But be careful not to be defensive or combative.
• 2:05
  SPEAKER_00: Remember, you are on the same team.
• 2:07
  SPEAKER_00: You both want to help your child.
• 2:10
  SPEAKER_00: When you have listened to the teacher's concerns, then bring up any additional questions or concerns you may have.
• 2:19
  SPEAKER_00: A few of the general questions you might ask if they are not initially covered by the teacher, and I include these in the notes so you don't have to take notes.
• 2:28
  SPEAKER_00: One, how is my child doing academically compared to the rest of the class?
• 2:35
  SPEAKER_00: Is he or she on grade level?
• 2:38
  SPEAKER_00: Are there specific areas where my child is struggling?
• 2:42
  SPEAKER_00: How can I help my child at home to reinforce what they are learning in school?
• 2:49
  SPEAKER_00: Are there any resources that you would recommend that might help my child?
• 2:54
  SPEAKER_00: This could be a list of tutors.
• 2:57
  SPEAKER_00: Usually the school keeps a list of tutors they know and recommend.
• 3:01
  SPEAKER_00: It might be extracurricular activities, workbooks, special programs and so forth.
• 3:08
  SPEAKER_00: These are especially important during the summer when kids tend to regress in learning if they are not challenged.
• 3:16
  SPEAKER_00: The second area you might ask the teacher about is how is my child doing socially?
• 3:22
  SPEAKER_00: Is he, she respectful and attentive in class?
• 3:27
  SPEAKER_00: Is he or she making friends easily?
• 3:30
  SPEAKER_00: Does he or she work well in groups?
• 3:34
  SPEAKER_00: If you have a special needs child who receives special education or social emotional resource help at school, it's important that you also touch base with the support team before the end of the year.
• 3:48
  SPEAKER_00: Many of these individuals will be included in an end-of-the-year parent-teacher conference, but if not, email them or call them and ask them to meet with you to discuss your child's progress and what you can do to help them over the summer.
• 4:05
  SPEAKER_00: In general, some resources you might take advantage of during the summer to support your child include tutors or summer school, special online educational programs, park and rec programs in your community, summer camps.
• 4:24
  SPEAKER_00: There are a myriad of summer camps available, with a wide variety of interests and activities.
• 4:31
  SPEAKER_00: You can search your community newspapers, which usually list those, or perhaps you're on a community Google group.
• 4:39
  SPEAKER_00: You could ask other parents for recommendations or search online.
• 4:45
  SPEAKER_00: I also recommend that you have a family meeting to discuss summer activities with each member of the family.
• 4:53
  SPEAKER_00: Ask your child to make a list of the activities they would like to participate in.
• 4:59
  SPEAKER_00: Be sure you include the teacher recommendations you got as well as fun and relaxing activities.
• 5:07
  SPEAKER_00: If you'd like some more tips for a great kids' summer that you and your family can do together, download my free PDF.
• 5:16
  SPEAKER_00: It's listed in the notes.
• 5:18
  SPEAKER_00: Have a great summer with your kids.