Kid's Blog
Kid's Blog
As the semester draws to a close, here are some helpful tips for making your parent-teacher conferences a success!
From Susan Case's blog Kindergarten & Preschool for Parents & Teachers:
TEACHER TIPS:
- Invite both parents and contact them early. Send home reminders with ways they can contact you: Notes, email address, phone number and times available.
- Greet parents at the door with a smile.
- Allow enough time to conference but stick to the points necessary to help the child.
- Be prepared and specific with work samples, attendance records, behavior notes, and other data you want to discuss.
- Be ready for questions. You may be asked: What is my child's ability level? Is my child doing their best? Does my child cause any trouble? What can I do to help my child succeed in school? Does my child have friends at school? Does my child eat their lunch?
- Ask about the child. What are their interests? activities? hobbies?
- Listen to the parents but keep the conference focused on the child, discussing solutions and collaboration.
- End on a positive note and let the parents know when and how you are available.
- Keep a record of the conference with your notes.
- Follow up.
PARENT TIPS:
- Arrive early to find a parking space, sign in, and find the room.
- Bring support. Both parents should attend if at all possible. If not, bring a friend or relative if you feel you need support.
- Be prepared. Make notes in advance of questions or concerns.
- Address Concerns: Let the teacher know if there is a particular topic you want to discuss.
- Exchange information and let the teacher know of changes in your child's life that may be affecting their behavior or performance.
- Ask: "How can I help my child at home?"
- Take notes.
- Be positive. "How can we solve this problem together?
- Leave with a plan.
- Stay in communication with the teacher about concerns and progress.
For more helpful tips and wonderful suggestions, check out her blog:
Have a minute? Check out the blog playdough to plato for great "hands-on, playful ways to teach reading and writing."
From it's creator, Malia:
When my youngest was born and I decided to spend a few years outside of the classroom, I knew that I needed to keep one foot in education. I had come too far and loved it too much to just walk away. And that is how Playdough to Plato was born. It’s the place where I share my favorite tricks and tips for teaching young children how to read and write – two skills that are supremely important for succeeding in school. I packed the blog with hands-on printables, games and activities for children in Pre-kindergarten through Second Grade.
Give her suggestions a try!
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