Interested in learning how to be more effectively involved in your child’s education? Check out our “parent tips” section periodically throughout the school year – you might be surprised what you don’t know!
Parent Tips
Traditional school students are back after a summer break and you’ve just met the teacher your child will be with for 180 days. Wow, that's a long time in your child’s life. And if things don't go well, it can become a long time in yours, too!
Make the time to really get to know your child's teacher and be sure to take advantage of every opportunity to volunteer in the classroom. Soon, teachers will be setting aside time for the first parent/teacher conferences. This month we have some tips to make your conference time with the teacher the best it can be.
Before the conference
1. Talk to your child. Tell him that you are going to meet with the teacher. See if there are any questions he wants you to ask and if there are family issues or medical concerns that should be shared.
2. Make a list of the questions you want to ask the teacher. They may be general ("Is my child working to his best ability?") or more specific ("May I see something my child has written?").
The day of the conference
1. Be sure to check into the office upon your arrival and get a visitor’s pass.
2. Be prompt – show up at the time of your appointment. Remember that teachers’ days are full and they won’t be able to devote the necessary amount of time to you unless they are expecting your visit.
During the conference
1. Listen carefully to what the teacher has to say. Be sure to take notes to help you remember tips they may offer in improving your child’s academic achievements.
2. A good conference is a two-way exchange. If the teacher says everything is fine, be sure to ask for ways you can improve the home learning environment. If you hear disappointing news about your child such as he doesn't get along well with others. Listen carefully and try to understand by asking questions: "Could you give me an example?" or "Does it happen often?" Find out what you can do to help. If you don't agree with the teacher, set up a separate time to discuss the issue in detail.
3. End the conference on a positive note. Thank the teacher for his time and emphasize the actions you will both take together. Make sure your child knows that his family and the teacher are working together on his behalf.
4. After the conference, discuss what happened with your child and other family members so that everyone can all act quickly on any suggestions the teacher has made. If you feel there's a problem and no conference is coming up, feel free to call the school and ask for one.
This is the time of year to join your school’s Parent Teacher Association. Parents are encouraged to participate in a local PTA to learn ways of becoming positive advocates for their child’s education.
Parent Tips
Traditional school students are back after a summer break and you’ve just met the teacher your child will be with for 180 days. Wow, that's a long time in your child’s life. And if things don't go well, it can become a long time in yours, too!
Make the time to really get to know your child's teacher and be sure to take advantage of every opportunity to volunteer in the classroom. Soon, teachers will be setting aside time for the first parent/teacher conferences. This month we have some tips to make your conference time with the teacher the best it can be.
Before the conference
1. Talk to your child. Tell him that you are going to meet with the teacher. See if there are any questions he wants you to ask and if there are family issues or medical concerns that should be shared.
2. Make a list of the questions you want to ask the teacher. They may be general ("Is my child working to his best ability?") or more specific ("May I see something my child has written?").
The day of the conference
1. Be sure to check into the office upon your arrival and get a visitor’s pass.
2. Be prompt – show up at the time of your appointment. Remember that teachers’ days are full and they won’t be able to devote the necessary amount of time to you unless they are expecting your visit.
During the conference
1. Listen carefully to what the teacher has to say. Be sure to take notes to help you remember tips they may offer in improving your child’s academic achievements.
2. A good conference is a two-way exchange. If the teacher says everything is fine, be sure to ask for ways you can improve the home learning environment. If you hear disappointing news about your child such as he doesn't get along well with others. Listen carefully and try to understand by asking questions: "Could you give me an example?" or "Does it happen often?" Find out what you can do to help. If you don't agree with the teacher, set up a separate time to discuss the issue in detail.
3. End the conference on a positive note. Thank the teacher for his time and emphasize the actions you will both take together. Make sure your child knows that his family and the teacher are working together on his behalf.
4. After the conference, discuss what happened with your child and other family members so that everyone can all act quickly on any suggestions the teacher has made. If you feel there's a problem and no conference is coming up, feel free to call the school and ask for one.
This is the time of year to join your school’s Parent Teacher Association. Parents are encouraged to participate in a local PTA to learn ways of becoming positive advocates for their child’s education.
