Before the Conference
1. Make an appointment.
2. Ask your child:
- What do you like best about school?
- Is there anything you’re having trouble with at school?
3. Make a list.
- Think of just a few important things to ask or share with the teacher.
During the Conference
1. Listen carefully.
- This is your chance to find out how your child is doing.
- Try to understand the teacher’s point of view.
2. Ask questions.
Here are some sample questions: How is my child doing in class?
- How is my child doing in reading?
- How is my child doing in math?
- What are his best subjects?
- Are there areas where he needs extra help?
What should I know about homework?
- How much time should my child spend on homework?
- When should homework get turned in?
- What can I do at home to help?
What if my child is behind?
- How can you help my child in areas that are hard for her?
- Are there programs at school that can help?
- What activities can I do at home to help?
What if my child is ahead?
- Is my child getting enough challenging work?
- Does the school have a program for gifted students?
- How can I get my child tested for it?
How is my child doing in general?
- Does my child get along with the other children?
- Does my child participate in class activities?
- How is my child behaving?
How can we stay in touch?
- When is a good time to talk with you if I have questions?
- How can I keep track of how my child is doing?
3. Share.
- Help the teacher get to know your child better.
- If the teacher is having trouble, share ideas that have worked in the past.
After the Conference
- Talk to your child.
- Try the home activities the teacher suggested.
- Follow up with the teacher to make sure your child is getting support.
- Make sure the teacher knows how to reach you.
- Ask for updates.
