Meeting with your student’s teacher can be a long awaited event. It is likely
that the teacher sent out a 
appointment form to make
scheduling as easy as possible for the entire class. Many times as a parent you will
have very little contact with your student’s teacher unless specifically requested.
Therefore, conferences set-up between the parent and teacher should be taken
seriously so that you can discuss any lingering issues that may be taking place.
Below are a few talking points to make sure you discuss during these meetings.
How is my child doing emotionally?
This is a very important question particularly in the modern day world. In
this post-pandemic world many children are left in emotional turmoil. Socially
distancing is difficult as it goes against human nature and we need to make sure that
all children are adjusting well back to as normal of a school year as possible.
What are my child’s strengths?
It is important to know what your child is good at so that you can praise them
regularly. What they are great at doing at home may be entirely different at school
so becoming aware of those things is important. This will allow your child to gain
greater confidence in things they naturally excel in.
What needs improvement?
No one is perfect and it is likely that your child has many areas that could use
improvement. Just like with their strengths it is important that as a parent you are
equally aware of their weaknesses. Depending on the severity of the weaknesses
this will allow you to assist your child with tutoring and extra patience.
How can we offer support from home?
It important that parents and teachers be on the same page when it comes to
students’ educational goals. If the teacher has any suggestions on things that can be
done from home it is important that the parent participate in those things.
When you are sent a parent teacher conference appointment form make sure
to take into consideration all of these talking points. As a parent you play the lead
roll in navigating your child’s educational experience for the rest of their life.