The Dreaded Parent Conference...
For example: teacher: "Well, Mrs. Smith, Jason's behavior has improved in some areas. For the last two weeks, he's been getting along better with others in class and at recess. However, Jason still needs to work on his self-control. I have to frequently reprimand him for talking in class, passing notes, and for getting up out of his seat. I've come up with an idea that may help him take responsibility for his own behavior that I'd like to share with you. I'm sure that with a little practice that he can get the hang of it, because he seems to be a very fast learner."
5. Express Empathy: No matter how horribly a child has been performing and/or behaving in class, most likely that parent still adores him/her. Occassionally, I am completely dumbfounded by the parent's total ignorance of his/her child's shortcomings! However, as a parent, all I have to do is to reflect on my own two somewhat-less-than perfect kids and my own frequent bias!
Whether you have children of your own or not, try to meditate on what the parent must be feeling. Many parents admit to feeling particularly stressed about meeting with a "professional." Maintain professionalism, but be sure to let the parent know in your own way that you CARE about their child and want to help him/her to overcome whatever difficulty he/she is having. Often, putting yourself in someone else's shoes can help you to plan your comments so that they show a warm, caring empathy.
6. BRAINSTORM SOME WORKABLE SOLUTIONS
There's no better way to end a conference on a positive note than to be able to offer some ideas of ways to "fix" the problem, because that is ultimately what everyone wants! Moreover, a teacher demonstrates his/her professionalism, preparedness, and caring when he is equipped with some "plans" for improving the situation.
7. Enlist Parents' Help:
Often, when discussing the ideas for solutions, it it a good idea to ask the parents for feedback and ideas, and for help in reinforcing and in rewarding progress. This strategy puts some responsibility for the child's behavior back on the parents. Moreover, enlisting the help of the parents puts a teacher in a partnership with the parents rather than the two groups maintaining two separate camps warring against one another.
8. Plan a Goal/Institute a Measurement Tool
Together with
The copyright of the article The Dreaded Parent Conference... in Teaching Language Arts is owned by Kelley M. Rubben. Permission to republish The Dreaded Parent Conference... in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Articles in this Topic
Discussions in this Topic
Latest Articles