Submitted by Angela Grant, Club Z! Tutoring
Every school year parents are invited to attend a parent-teacher conference, but attending conferences to discuss your child’s progress does not have to be scary. Keep the following tips in mind to ensure a smooth running meeting and a chance to get the most insight into your child’s school performance.
Before the conference, do some planning. It is important to make a list of the things you want to share with the teacher as well as some things you want to find out. For example, make a point of mentioning any medical problems your child may have, as well as any critical life experiences happening at home, such as a divorce, death in the family, recent move, etc. Talk to the teacher about your child’s study habits as well as his/her feelings about school, and ask your child if there is anything in particular he/she would like for you to mention during the conference. You know your child best and therefore can be his/her greatest advocate. Sharing these insights will allow teachers to instruct your child more effectively and compassionately.
Student lead conferences can be very productive for the parent to see exactly how their child spends their school day. The student can share what they are most proud of and what they are working on currently. Parents can often feel isolated from the classroom experience of their child when all they see is homework. The student can be part of the ongoing discussion about how to help them to learn most effectively and if the student has areas they need to work on or practice at home.
We recommend your child not be present at the conference when there is something ‘serious’ to discuss or if there is an ongoing concern. Parent and the teaching staff can speak candidly about his/her performance. You may want to address some of the following topics during the conference:
• Your child’s test results and what they mean
• Request a print-out of your child’s grade in the class, broken down by homework, test, class work, and participation grades. This will help you identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses in the class.
• Ask about your child’s classroom behavior, preparedness for class, and his/her ability to get along with others.
• Find out what you can do at home to help the child succeed at school.
• Work with the teachers on creating a plan of improvement and a plan for keeping communication lines open between home and school.
After the conference, take the time to share the most important topics voiced during the conference with your child. Talk about the goals that were discussed and any plans of improvement that were developed. Most importantly, be positive and reassure your child that everyone is working together to achieve his/her success.
Find out more about how Club Z! can enhance your child’s summer by visiting our web site at: www.clubztutoring.com/olympia or call Angela Grant at 360.438.9800.
“The beautiful thing about
learning is that no one can take
it away from you.”– B.B. King
