Having just gone through my first set of Parent Teacher Conferences (PTC) this year, I though this might be a good time to discuss the somewhat under-impressed and under-utilized conferences and how they can benefit you and your children.
I have two children in school this year and one going into the school system within the next few years. Many times as the school year gets started the intensity level in the home skyrockets because of To-Do Lists of homework, after school activities and the PTO. Therefore, PTC can come and go without participation or with minimal involvement and personalized discussion. Many times, parents just don’t know what to ask or do to get the most out of the conference. Here are some ideas that can help to make your experience with PTC the most productive and informative it can be.
First, it is important to set aside an appropriate amount of time to meet with your children’s teacher. There is nothing worse than having to rush to a meeting with the teacher just to have to rush out without getting what you went there for. So, make sure you budget your time wisely so you can spend some good time at the conference asking your questions and getting your answers. Also, I would definitely recommend having all parents attend the PTC. It is more common to have mothers go, but having fathers involved in their children’s education is also important. For me, being in a “split family”, I believe it is also beneficial for stepparents to attend as well. They are also on integral part of a child’s development and progress. All parents should make an effort to be there.
Second, if at all possible, try to go to the conference without any other children. This is a small fraction of time that is supposed to be for you as the parent, to focus on the child your conference is about and it makes it more productive if you don’t have to worry about little toddler Johnny running around the room eating crayons while trying to communicate with your other child’s teacher. You can drop your other children off with family, or maybe a friend would be willing to do a swap with you. They can watch your children while you go to PTC and you watch theirs while they go.
Third, in addition to all the things, which your teacher may have to share with you, beforehand prepare a list of questions to ask the teacher that will help you gain a more well-rounded perspective of your child and their educational temperament. Some things you may want to ask are:
- How well is my child making friends?
- How well does my child listen?
- Does my child seem happy at school and in class?
- Have you noticed anything that my child may need to work on?
- What more can I do as a parent to assist and help you in your teaching goals?
All children behave somewhat differently in school than they do at home. Things that may be an issue in your home may not necessarily be an issue at school. And conversely, there may be things that your child struggles with at school that you have not encountered at school. The more you know about their behavior at school, the more you will know what areas they will need help at home. Remember, school is not only for academic progress, but for social and emotional learning as well. Make sure you take into account their interaction and social skills when communicating with their teachers.
It is also important to find out what exactly the teacher has as goals for the class and more specifically your child. There are usually a set of standards which the school district have determined which are the basis of the teacher’s curriculum and lesson plan. There are usually benchmarks, which your child is working toward. Find out what these goals and standards you child is going to be expected to work towards. This will give you a better idea of what academic principles to be working on with your child. Also, you may want to determine what homework is expected of your child and when it is due. Some teachers, as a rule, do not give homework on the weekend, but your child may be expected to read a certain amount of time on the weekend.
Lastly, I know not all parents have to ability or freedom to volunteer on a regular basis because of other time commitments such at work, other children, etc. However, that does not mean you cannot volunteer to come into the class once and a while and help out with a field trip, AR Reading testing or even a special holiday art project. This will build rapport with the teacher, open lines of communication with the teacher, and most of all, show your child hat you care about them and their education.
A child’s educational experience can shape and mold their lives for years to come. Bottom line, whatever you have to give to your child, whether it is time, attention, love or praise, try to incorporate it into their education somewhere and you will see it return to your child tenfold. Emphasizing education and growth academically will strengthen your child’s character and instill in them the importance of learning for life. But remember, teachers can’t do everything. Their biggest tool in reaching the hearts and minds of your children is you. You, as parents, have the privilege and responsibility to be involved in your child’s education.
Ashely Hull
