How to Have a Successful Parent Teacher Conference Valley Stream NY

Steps

1. Ask your child if there is anything that he would like you to discuss with the teacher.
2. Arrive promptly or a few minutes early.
3. Jot down everything that you want to talk about at the conference.
4. Begin with positive comments about the teacher or classroom.
5. Avoid lengthy discussions of topics that are not related to the purpose of the conference.
6. Be open-minded to suggestions from the teacher.
7. Keep your emotions under control.
8. Take notes about what has been discussed to share with your child.
9. Express appreciation for the conference.
10. Do not stay beyond your allotted time.

Tips

• Start the conference right: be there on time, and plan not to run over the amount of time that has been set aside, usually about 40 minutes.
• If you are a working parent who can't arrange to meet during regular hours, make this clear to the teacher and try to set up a time to meet that is good for both of you.
• The best conferences are those in which both teachers and parents stay calm and try hard to work together for one purpose and one purpose only: to help your child do well. Arguing, or blaming each other for problems your child is having, helps no one.

Warnings

• Tips to Avoid Parent-Teacher Conflicts
• Expect that your child's teacher knows what he or she is doing and that your child faces something worth anticipating.
• A twinge of jealousy over the affection your child shows for a teacher is a good sign that it's a good fit. Enjoy and don't complain.
• If you have something to say to the teacher about some need your child has, don't wait for the parent conference.
• If the chemistry seems wrong right from the beginning, be patient.
• Be involved in your child's academic life.
• Think back to your first Parent-Teacher Conference.

Sources and Citations

• http://school.familyeducation.com/parents-and-teacher/parent-teacher-conferences/38579.html
• http://www.nea.org/parents/ptconf.html
• http://school.familyeducation.com/parents-and-school/parent-teacher-conferences/38584.html

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