Parent Teacher Conference Tips

Parent Teacher Conference Tips

Conference time can create all kinds of anxiety for parents. It’s not your turf. You’re not sure what to expect.

Tips for a Successful Conference

Here are a few tips:

Go in prepared. Have your questions or concerns written down.

Build rapport from the start by sharing something your child likes about the teacher or the class.

1. Assume the teacher is on your side. Approach the teacher like an enthusiastic partner in helping your child.
2. Think like a problem-solver. If you’re feeling defensive because the teacher is sharing challenges, steer the conversation towards solving the problem by saying, “If he’s misbehaving or has a problem, I really do want to know (and here’s the important part) so that we can find a solution together.”
3. Collaborate: You know your child better than anyone. If you know your child is struggling and you have some tips for the teacher, you can share them by saying, “Here’s what I’ve found that helps when I see that behavior at home…”
4. Special challenges: Don’t make excuses, but do help the teacher to better understand your child’s special challenges, needs, or circumstances if there are some.
5. Ask for help or clarification.
6. Tell teachers what you appreciate about how they work with you or your child. This encourages them to do it even more!

Why Do Smart Kids Struggle?

Reading, writing, spelling, math, and school skills are supported by numerous underlying learning/processing skills.   If one or more of these underlying skills is weak, it will stress the student’s attention and cause the student to have to work harder, longer, and less effectively than expected.

Most teachers try hard to support their students with dyslexia, learning, or attention challenges at school. However, the primary function of the schools is to teach academic skills and content areas to students – to expand their knowledge and their ability to apply it.   When students struggle, it can be very challenging for both student and teacher, in spite of efforts to modify curriculum and accommodate learning differences.

What to Do

At Stowell Learning Centers, we identify and develop the weak underlying learning/processing skills that provide the critical foundation for learning. While there is no overnight solution, most learning and attention challenges can be dramatically improved or completely corrected.

Do you or someone you know struggle at work or school? Are you ready for a change?

Quick Answers

How should I prepare for a parent teacher conference?

Go in prepared with your questions or concerns written down, and build rapport from the start by sharing something your child likes about the teacher or the class.

How do I talk to the teacher about my child’s challenges?

Assume the teacher is on your side, think like a problem-solver, and collaborate by sharing what you’ve found that helps at home.