Get the most out of parent/teacher conferences

Everyone that works with your child wants to see them be successful. Keep working together with the individuals who work with your child even after parent teacher conferences have happened.

We are the Canastota Teachers’ Association - the caring, dedicated professionals committed to supporting our students and the Canastota community.

As parent teacher conference time approaches, you may be wondering how to make the most of this opportunity.

• Be prepared: Before the conference make a list of the questions you may have. Be sure to have a discussion with your child ahead of time about how they think the year is going. Think of topics you want to discuss ahead of time. You may want to keep a folder with important papers that you have questions/ concerns about.

• Be punctual: Conferences are typically scheduled back to back. Try to arrange childcare, if possible, so that you can give the teacher your undivided attention. If you must bring siblings to the conference, consider having something for them to do to occupy their time so your attention can stay focused on the important conversation you are having with your child’s teacher.

• Listen and be openminded: Your child’s teacher has important information and observations to share with you. Afterwards, share the positive feedback with your child and brainstorm ways to move forward.

• Be specific: Ask the teacher to describe your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Ask to see your child’s work. If you are noticing any classwork or classroom situations that are making your child feel stressed out, bring them up during your conference.

• Ask what you can do to support your child at home: The home-school connection is crucial to your child’s success. Keeping the teacher informed about what is happening at home will help the teacher to meet your child’s needs.

• Your child’s teacher cares and wants them to succeed in school: A conference with your child’s teacher should not be a confrontation, but rather an opportunity to review your child’s progress and academic goals. Your child’s teacher wants to work with you in a partnership.

Everyone that works with your child wants to see them be successful. Keep working together with the individuals who work with your child even after parent teacher conferences have happened. Communication and encouragement can only benefit your child as they strive to reach their academic goals.

Look for another informative CTA column in December that will focus on how to help your child handle holiday stressors.