The Dreaded Parent Conference...
with the parents, plan a reachable goal for their child, perhaps setting the goal in increments of several small goals. Next, in cooperation with the parents, establish some way to measure and to reward good behavior both at home and at school. For example, if Jason can stay in his seat, he may sit with a friend at lunch. If he manages to stay in his seat all week, his parents will want to offer a reward at home, too, like having a friend over or an extra hour of Nintendo.
Most importantly, before the conference is over, establish with the parents some sort of communication system. Will the teacher send a note home on Fridays to be signed and returned on Mondays? Will the parents and teacher hold a weekly phone conference? Will the parent visit weekly after school or during lunch?
Finally, after the conference, teachers may want to write a thank you note to the parents to express appreciation for their itnerest in their child's education. In the note, including a brief summary of any plans or suggestions made is a kind gesture and gentle reminder.
Hopefully, these strategies will work to help take the "dread" out of parent conferences. When parents see that you are their ally instead of their enemy, future meetings with these same parents tend to be pleasant and cordial. In many schools, word travels quickly among parents so that you will soon be known as a teacher who "listens" to the concerns of the parents and seeks positive solutions to the problems your students are facing!
FOR MORE ON CONFERENCING:
Should Students Attend Parent/Teacher Conf?
Make Good Use of the Parent/Teacher Conference
The Importance of the Parent/Teacher Conference
Toolkit for Conferencing: List of Questions, etc.
Parent/Teacher Conference Tips
For Parents: Tips for a Great Conference
For Parents: Make the Most of Your Conference
For Parents: 5 Must-Ask Questions
teachers should check these out to be prepared!
For Parents of Pre-Teens: Preparing for the Teacher Conference
LIGHTEN UP...
parent/teacher conference humor
CONFERENCE ISN'T GOING WELL
10. The teacher asks if your child barks like a dog at home, too.
9. As you arrive, the teacher asks if you can spare a Valium.
8. On behalf of the entire class, the teacher expresses sympathy for your marital problems.
7. The teacher says that you seem very intelligent and asks if your child is
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.
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