As a parent, here's what would impress me:
Tips for Successful Conferences
Parent Teacher Conference Tips
Open with a positive, personal comment about my child that lets me know you see all students as individuals and you like kids.
As a parent, we want our child to spend her days in a warm and nurturing environment. It hurts to sit though a whole conference and wonder if you ever have any personal interaction with my child. For example, anyone who spends that many hours with my daughter should certainly know that she loves animals.A friendly comment about her interest would put me at ease.
Let me start! Ask me if I have any questions or concerns.
It is frustrating and unproductive to be led through a pre-arranged tour of a folder full of papers and test scores that lasts precisely the alloted time. Being ushered out because the next parent is waiting when I've had no time to discuss what I'm truly interested in is a real wall -builder between us.
I know you have things you want to cover, too, but I'm probably not going to be a good listener if I have issues I'm waiting to bring up.
Share positives first.
I'm here to hear the good, the bad and the ugly. But mostly I'm hoping it's good! Please, tell me something my child is doing well.
Pair problems with solutions.
If my child needs improvement in something, please help me leave the conference with one realistic action step. Hearing, "Your child needs to study more before tests." can be overwhelming. I might be thinking, "I know that." But I might not know how to make it happen. Visit about the cause of the problem, and work together towards a solution.
Let me know my child's success is your priority
If my child is struggling in an area, I want to know that you are working on it too, and not just expecting him to "get with the program." When my daughter was having trouble with missing work, a conference revealed that assignments were given orally. Once the teacher agreed to try jotting them on the board, the problem was solved. Sure, she'll eventually need to learn to follow oral directions too, but the teacher supporting her in the mean time assured that other areas were not suffering because of one developing skill.
Guiding the conference to let me know you respect me will have me on your side as a learning partner, and our student will be the winner.
