It’s that time of year where a lot of schools begin their end-of-the-year parent/teacher conferences. As both a parent and a teacher, I want to discuss some ways you as a parent can get the most out of these conferences.
Here are some ways to prepare for the conference:
1. Make a list of your concerns and questions before the actual conference. This helps you organize your thoughts and it also helps you not to forget something important.
2. At the actual conference, allow the teacher to lead with his/her comments and concerns. Ask for clarification of anything you don’t understand. Be careful not to be defensive or combative—remember you are on the same team. You both want to help your child.
3. When you have listened to the teacher’s concerns, then bring up any additional questions or concerns you may have.
4. Some general questions you might ask if they are not initially covered by the teacher: (These are listed in the notes.)
- How is my child doing academically compared to the rest of the class?
- Is he/she on grade level?
- Are their specific areas where my child is struggling?
- How can I help my child at home to reinforce what they are learning in school?
- Are there resources that you would recommend that might help my child?
(this might be a list of tutors –usually schools keep a list of tutors they know and recommend; extracurricular activities; workbooks; special programs; etc. These are especially important during the summer when kids tend to regress in learning if not challenged.
- How is my child doing socially?
- Is he/she respectful and attentive in class?
- Are he/she making friends easily?
- Do he/she work well in groups?
If you have a special needs child who receives special educational or social/emotional resource help at school, it’s important that you touch base with their support team before the end of the school year. Many of these individuals will be included in an end-of-the-year parent/teacher conference, but if not—email or call them and ask to meet with them to discuss your child’s progress and what you can do to help them over the summer.
In general –some resources you might take advantage of during the summer to support your child include:
- Tutors and /or summer school
- Special online educational programs
- Park & Rec programs in your community
- Summer Camps—there are a myriad of summer camps available with a wide variety of interests and activities. Search your community newspapers or community google groups; ask other parents for recommendations; search online.
I recommend you have a family meeting to discuss summer activities with each member of the family. Ask your child to make a list of activities they would like to participate in. Be sure you include teacher recommendations as well as fun and relaxing activities.
If you’d like some more “Tips for a Great Kid Summer” download my free PDF
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