tips for successful parent- teacher conferences. conferences should not be your first contact with...
TRANSCRIPT
Tips for Successful Parent- Teacher Conferences
Conferences should not be your first contact with parents
Communicate frequently via
class newsletters or bulletins
Create a teacher website or class
wiki
Use a class blog to increase dialogue
Provide reinforcement by making positive
phone calls home
Communicate with parents
proactively when concerns arise
Think about the waiting area Are there chairs? Can others overhear the
conference? What about books ?
Children’s books to peruse while waiting Parent books to check out
What about paper & pens for parents to write their student a note to be left on their desk or in their file?
Do parents feel welcome?
If the conference is your 1st contact with parents…
Spend some of the valuable minutes talking with parents about the strengths they see in their child
Let the parents know the strengths you see, too.
Share your year goal for their child Ask their year goal for their child
Parents are our strongest partners in ensuring student success
Remember that parents are resources with valuable information about their child.
Begin and end with a positive comment.
You will attract more flies with honey
than with vinegar.
Encourage students to
attend
Encourage students to self-
reflect before the conference
Utilize tools such as the Teacher Report
Card or Quarter Reflection Sheet to
promote student-led dialogue
Strategize how to include students in the conference
Remind parents that you are working toward a common goal
“I understand why you’re upset. I’ve been really worried about Johnny’s progress lately too.”
“I am so glad that you came in! Sometimes all it takes is the students realizing that their parents and teachers are working together.”
Close with next steps or an action plan for the student,
parent, and teacher
Be sure to thank the parent for coming…
And reinforce their commitment to their child’s education