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Tips for a Successful Spring Parent Teacher Conference

By Becky Danielson

Springtime has finally arrived! And it's a busy time of year. One of the scheduled events for this time of year is the spring parent teacher conference. Spring conferences are a valuable tool for both the parent and the teacher. The time together provides a great opportunity to collaborate. Spring conferences can be especially helpful for young children to determine how to best meet the needs of the child during the summer months and for the upcoming school year. For older children, it's a good time to add to their learning in areas of special interest or remediation in troublesome subjects.

Here are a few tips to prepare for conferences.

• Arrive on time.
• Keep the conversation focused on the child.
• Take notes.
• Stay within the scheduled time. Other parents are waiting to meet with the teacher too.


Questions to ask of the teacher.

• Is my child progressing as he should be for his age and developmental stage? Children mature individually. Keep comparisons out of the picture. Comparing one child to another, even siblings can be detrimental. Look at each child independently.


• What activities is my child drawn to during the school day? What the favorite toys, games, or learning centers? What is my child's favorite subject area?


• Who does my child typically play with at school? Is it always the same child or group of children? Does my child usually lead or follow?


• How well does my child interact with classmates?


• What summer activities would you recommend to enhance the learning that has taken place at school this year? What subject areas are strong? What areas need work?


Most of all enjoy meeting with your child's teacher. Teachers care deeply, are well trained, and have each child's best interests at heart. Conferences are a time to get to gain valuable insight into your child in a classroom environment. As your child moves through the school years, I encourage you to take your child to conferences with you. The information is all about the child, so having the child present is beneficial. As parents, we've all been through elementary, middle, and high school. It's our kids' turn!

Becky Danielson, M.Ed., has two best job descriptions, wife and mom. She is also a licensed Parent & Family Educator and co-founder of 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting. EMPOWERED PARENTS: Putting Faith First is her first co-authored book. THE FIRST CORITHINIANS 13 PARENTING SERIES will be released in May 2014. Becky and her family live in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. www.beckydanielson.com & www.1Corinthians13Parenting.com. Back To Top

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Categories:  Parenting Tips|Education

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