Tips for Parent Teacher Conference

Parent Teacher Conferences tend to set off quite a few emotions...in teachers, parents, and students alike.  I have some tips for both parents and teachers to help this opportunity to be productive and positive rather than daunting and disconnected.

First, tips for teachers.

1.  Create an inviting atmosphere.  A veteran teacher gave me this advice and it makes a HUGE difference.  Set up an obvious area where you will meet.  I would use one of our round tables but pull it to a different area in the classroom.  Use a tablecloth!!  This really gives the impression that you are hosting an important event, because it is.  I also would use some kind of "centerpiece", but put it off to the side.  It shouldn't block the conversation.  MOST IMPORTANT!  Place some kind of mint on the table {preferably in a cute bowl/container} for parents and yourself.  After talking so much it's nice to refresh when you have a little break and parents may be coming straight from work or another commitment and would like to have fresh breath while they discuss their child with you.

2.  Display a schedule of meeting times WITH a disclaimer.  I heard many stories about random people walking in on other teachers' conferences because it was "their time".  Like it or not, you will get off schedule.  It could happen for any number of reasons.  Mine included:  parents wanted to talk longer, students wanted to show their family EVERYTHING in the classroom, someone would show up during a break and beg to meet, and emergency bathroom breaks.  Most teachers put a schedule outside their classroom, but adding a disclaimer will keep antsy parents at bay.  And if they do enter, you can quickly tell them to read the note on the schedule instead of having to completely disrupt your current conference.  Below is an example of one of my schedules {I love to add some color and design to make it stand out}.  I would tape it onto a piece of construction paper for a finished look.

Student names have been changed.

3.  Plan your presentation.  I am a big supporter of a student lead conference.  This means the student takes charge and presents their work, accomplishments, and goals.  I, of course, have the student give me some time to talk about him/her.  However, it gives the whole meeting a more positive feeling and it reveals a lot about how the student feels about his/her learning and school experience.  About a week before I would go through a script with my class and have them fill it in with items applicable to them.  Then they would practice with another student to help prepare them for the actual event.  This plan makes each conference much less work for you!  I've seen other teachers prepare a powerpoint presentation for each student, provide scores on tests and report on behavior, and allow the entire time for questions from parents.  Whatever works for you, at least get a plan in place.  Don't be afraid to try something new!

The script students would fill out and present for their conferences.

4.  POSITIVITY.  I have had my share of students with personal problems, behavior issues, and apathetic attitudes that have affected their school work.  Nothing good comes from honing in on these things.  I had a number of parents thank me for not harping on issues that their child has {usually} had for a while.  That doesn't mean I didn't bring them up as a concern, but honestly the student would usually bring it up themselves in their "what I can work on" section of the conference.  Stay positive and hopeful throughout the conference and it can only end well.

5.  Don't waste your break.  I saw many teachers that forced all of their conferences into one day with zero breaks in order to get it done as quickly as possible.  I tried to get as many done in the first day as well...but with a little patience for myself.  I made sure I had at least 1/2 hour break for dinner and I never went past 7:00.  Did you know that you have to teach the next day?  I feel that even the most veteran teacher will come to school tired/grouchy/unprepared the next day when they don't get home until 9 PM or later.

BONUS TIP!  Give the student a little treat thanking them for taking the time to discuss their education.  My favorites were smarties and pumpkin shaped sugar cookies with a leaf tag.

Print on blue paper and tape a smarties candy in blank space.

Wrap cookie in cellophane and attach tag.

Now, tips for parents.

1.  Enter with excitement.  This doesn't mean you have to be smiling from ear to ear while bouncing up and down.  But you should be happy to have this time to focus on your child and how he/she is doing at school.  Don't enter the room with negative thoughts about the teacher/school/homework/etc.  These can set the tone for the whole conference which isn't fair to your student and the hard work he/she has been doing.

2.  Put your cell phone away.  The most surprising thing I experienced during conferences as a teacher was parents that would text and/or look at texts during their child's conference.  This is not just disrespectful to the teacher but to your own child.  You won't be able to really get anything from the meeting if you are distracted.

3.  Ask questions.  Many parents have questions but don't ask them for various reasons.  Whether you forgot, feel embarrassed about not knowing, or just want the conference to be over, asking the questions will open communication and help eliminate future frustrations.  It would be best to think of or write down questions you have and take them with you to the conference.  If you have a lot of questions, it might be good to set up a longer conference or arrange a phone call to discuss them with the teacher.  Nothing was more baffling to me than meeting with a parent, asking if he/she had any questions for me, having them say they didn't with a smile, and then receiving a frustrated e-mail about a classroom procedure they didn't understand a week later.  If you have question, ask it.

4.  Keep track of time.  Each conference is supposed to run for a certain amount of time.  Some parents forget about this and/or when their time ends and want to talk to their child and the teacher longer than that specified amount.  This can set the teacher and multiple families up for confusion and conflicted schedules.  I know every teacher will be grateful to a parent that recognizes that their time is up and will help end the conference.  If you still have more to talk about, don't shy away from asking the teacher for some time another day to finish your conversation.  He/she would most likely be more than happy to do that, especially since you are showing respect for his/her time and other appointments.

5.  Don't forget what was said.  When you leave the classroom, don't leave the discussion/goals/plans at the door.  If you tell the teacher will you make an effort to read more with your child, do it!  If your child set a goal to do his/her homework at a certain time everyday, help them make that happen!  You are a strong force in helping your child find success.

BONUS TIP!  If your teacher gives you handouts about websites, activities, or other helpful information don't throw them away without reading them and/or giving them a try!  He/she wouldn't send them with you if he/she didn't think it was worth your time.

Happy conferences to all teachers and families!  Remember that you are there to celebrate your student and that will make everything more relaxed and successful.

JNatalie