Parent/Teacher Conferences
There are ways to make a parent/teacher conference go as smoothly as possible.
By Elisa Jackson
When you are getting ready for parent/teacher conferences, you should keep in mind that communicating with parents about student progress can be tricky. Some parents take criticism and suggestions in stride, others do not. Therefore, when you hold conferences, it is important to be sensitive. Put yourselves in their position.
There are also other ways to make conferences go as smoothly as possible. You should try to set off the conference on a positive note. Always smile, look the parent or parents in the eye, shake their hand, and ask them how they are doing. Even though there may be a 100 things on your mind, and you may be exhausted after days of conferences, you can demonstrate your interest and support of their child by being focused and polite.
Teachers usually discuss academic progress, student behavior, and test scores during conferences. No matter which area you plan to talk about first, you should always do what I call a positive/negative/positive sandwich. If you have bad news to deliver, sandwich it in between two items of good news. Even if that good news is as simple as “Johnny is always prepared with sharpened pencils and his homework.” Then, you can discuss how Johnny has trouble finishing his work. You can finish with another positive comment, such as "Johnny is a terrific listener during story time and always has something interesting to say." The parent will appreciate the positive.
While discussing things like behavior, try to speak in language that doesn't demean the child or sound accusatory. For example, instead of saying “Johnny is violent on the playground,” you can say “Johnny is having difficulty keeping his hands to himself.” You can work up to the use of the word “violent,” but ease the parent in. Remember, a parent takes their child’s behavior very personally.
If you have to discuss topics with the parents that are particularly sensitive, you might consider asking for support from your school staff. If you are going to tell the parent that you think their child needs to be tested for special education services, it is best to have the special education teacher and counselor present. If you are delivering news about a child’s bad behavior, consider having the principal present. If you simply feel uncomfortable with the parent, ask any one else who works with the child to be present so that you have support.
Of course it would be easier to have a class of straight A students who behave perfectly. But a classroom is made up of a variety of students, and this is what makes it interesting. Therefore, you should approach your conferences by being organized, having positive comments to make, and presenting a calm demeanor. Here are some activities you can do with your students during conference time.
Parent/Teacher Conferences:
Students prepare a portfolio of their work to share with their parents at a student-led conference.
In this lesson, students practice how to give and receive compliments. You can tell them that you prepare compliments about each one of them for use at conference time.
Students can use this letter template to write a letter to their parents. You can then give the letter to parents during conferences.
Students practice speaking calmly, maintaining eye contact, and using body language while conversing with another person.