Parent conferences are starting soon and even though I'm no rookie (11 years), I always get nervous. I have no problem speaking to a room of students, but adults is another thing. I have a template that I fill out before the conference to help me remember a few things to talk about. I know my students strengths and weaknesses, and can talk about those.
The problem is that I don't quite know how to begin the conference. I usually start with a strength, then go on to needs. But the first minute is always the most awkward for me. I feel like I should say something else before I get right into it. I guess what I'd like to know is what do you say exactly in the beginning of your conversation to the parents. Do you compliment the student? Ask the parents if they have any questions and then start from there?
Please help me be a more confident communicator. And, what do you say to those parents who's child is meeting expectations but they would like to know what they could do to help their child!? UHHH!
I always start by saying, Thank you so much for coming! It is great to get a chance to spend some time with you. I will give you a minute to look over the report card. I hand the report card to the parent and give them a minute to look at it. (It is silent as they look at the card). Then I go over each grade with the parent, share any concerns about the grades and what I think the student is strong in.
I start the exact same way as DoxieTeacher. I give them a chance look at the report card and ask questions they have. Then I go from there. Hope that helps!
I just finished my week of 30 parent conferences. I open up with, "How's everything going on at home? Does Joey seem to like school this year? Does he come home in a good mood? How's your homework routine working? Do you have any concerns you'd like to talk about before I begin sharing his progress with you?" These probing questions help me get the parent to begin talking. I also get some more information to help make connections with behavior patterns I see in the classroom. Then I use my form with various test scores to explain where the report card grades came from. Good luck!
I am about to start conferences, too. It is stress-inducing! I have sent the report cards home ahead of conferences (some schools give them out at the conference). I usually say something about how much I enjoy having their child in my class, trying to give specific praise. Then I begin by asking if they have seen the report card. My next line, if the parents don't pick the conversation up from there, is to ask if they have any questions. If not, then I will say, let's take a look at some things I have to show you. And the conference is off and running. Your last question is a bit harder for me because I could be asking the same thing. I will be eager to hear what other posters have to say. Good luck with the P-T conference!
So, what does X think about 4th grade? And nine and a half times out of ten the parents tell me that their child loves it and loves me. Then I move onto strengths and finally onto challenges and ways we can improve.
Because the parents have already said something positive and told me their child enjoys my class, they never launch into the "Little Billy hates school this year" after they've heard the challenges. It's amazing how that one little question at the beg. of conferences have changed the tone of many a conference!
I start out by thanking the parents for coming and then I ask how So&So is enjoying grade one. And like the PP said, usually parents say they love it, which is always nice to hear. I will generally add that I have enjoyed getting to know their child and share a story, if I have one.
Then I give them a chance to look through their child's school work and ask if they have any questions or concerns. If they don't (gotta love that) then I remind them that they can always send a note in the planner or contact me at school if anything comes up.
I think if I knew their child was struggling and did not like school, I probably would not ask...but I would say that although So&So had a rough start, he is starting to adapt to our routines and things seem to be improving (hopefully!!) so at least we start in a positive way.
I had a very unusual group of parents this year. They were all very content. Usually I have at least one who is convinced their child is a genius and needs to be "challenged". I usually say that worksheet after worksheet is not meaningful learning so I don't send anything like that home.
I ask parents to continue with home reading. I stress that the books the children read at home should be at their level or below (we have books the kids bring home so they don't have to actually get these books, they are provided). I say this because I don't expect home reading to be parents trying to teach their kids to read, but a way for kids to practice the skills they already have and to improve their fluency.
We do Words Their Way so I will also suggest spelling pattern practice as a home activity. And math games that reinforce the skills we are learning. Our school website has some fun learning games and I will suggest that too.
I teach first grade, so think 10 mins or so of homework is plenty. I have older children and they have more, but usually it is project work. I really appreciate how their teachers don't load them down with tons of stuff.
I always send home the report card ahead of time (not sure if you can) and a survey that asks questions such as, what surprised you about your child's reprot card, what does your child say about school at home, are there any subjects you feel that your child needs to be challenged in, etc. I can skim the survey when they come in and then I mostly talk about their concerns.
I hear you...I too can talk to a room full of students but parents are another thing..
I just got done with them...I start out with welcoming them and thanking them for coming in..I start out with the student's strength and then go into where they are struggling...I always end with a goal that I have set for them...I have a worksheet that has all of the information filled out about each student...
11-21-2009, 08:33 PM
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