Getting the Most From A Parent-Teacher Conference

On the five school days before Thanksgiving, elementary parent-teacher conferences throughout Northshore will be held to share student progress and set learning goals for the year. This is one of the most valuable times in the school year for many reasons.

For students, the parent-teacher conference helps to reinforce positive attitudes and behavior. Students whose parents are interested and involved in school tend to have better school achievement.

For teachers, it creates an opportunity to establish a positive partnership in the student's learning.

Teachers often come away from conferences saying they learned so much by talking with the child's parents. The exchange of information is extremely valuable.

For parents, conferences offer the opportunity to sit one to one with the teacher and talk about their child. It helps to build a better understanding of the daily routines, and classroom expectations. Parents can get a snapshot of their child as a learner and ask questions about how to help at home.

Be aware that as children get older, expectations become greater for student achievement. If you have a serious concern about an area of academic growth, be sure to let the teacher know. He or she will be happy to share some strategies and ideas to increase success and self-assurance.

Teachers put a great deal of work and time into preparation for these conferences. They are eager to help your child be the best he/she can be. Your support helps us all in developing the best possible educational experience for your child.

In order to make your conference a profitable one, here are some sample questions, submitted by some of Northshore's elementary principals, that you might want to ask. In addition, they've suggested and some things you might want to tell the teacher about your child.

You may want to ask the teacher:

• Does my child participate in classroom activities?
• Does he/she show self-control in school? 
• How does my child get along with classmates?
• Can my child handle grade level learning materials?
• Does my child seem to enjoy reading in their spare time?
• Is my child's comprehension suitable to their grade level?
• How does my child read orally?
• Does my child know the number facts?
• Can my child express thoughts and ideas clearly?
• How is his/her written communication?
• Does my child seem happy in school?
• Is my child accepted by the other students?
• Does my child learn best through visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learning experiences?
  

You may want to tell the teacher:

• Which school activities your child talks about at home. 
• What responsibilities your child handles at home.
• If anything has happened lately at home that might affect your child's performance at school.
• Which classmates your child sees at home.
• What are some of your child's favorite activities outside of school.
• How you discipline your child at home.
• What you believe are your child's strengths and weaknesses.