Whether you’re preparing for your first parent teacher conference or you’ve attended many over the years, there’s always something new to learn about how your child is doing at school.
Conferences are a chance to hear what your child’s teacher is noticing, share what you know about your child, and talk about how you can support their learning together. And remember, you have helpful insight to contribute, too. You know your child’s personality, interests, strengths, and experiences in ways their teacher may still be discovering.
Way to Grow’s Programming Staff works alongside children and families throughout the school year, helping parents build relationships with teachers, navigate school, and feel confident asking questions and sharing information.
As conferences approach, our educators have some practical advice to help families make the most of these conversations.
Start With “Hello”
Getting to know your child’s teacher is a great place to start. “Reach out,” encourages Way to Grow Family Educator Nataya.
That might mean introducing yourself at an open house, sending an email, or arranging a phone or virtual conversation. Associate Supervisor Roxy also reminds families to make sure the school has their current contact information so teachers can reach them when needed.
Program Director Ronel encourages parents to learn how their child’s teacher prefers to communicate. Some use email, while others rely on classroom apps, newsletters, or phone calls. Knowing how to reach each other helps keep communication open throughout the year.
Family Educator Alison encourages parents to think of communication as a two-way conversation. Letting teachers know you’re open to hearing from them can help build trust and make it more comfortable to talk through questions or concerns.
And remember, you don’t need to wait until something is wrong. A quick introduction, a question, or even a little good news can go a long way toward building a positive relationship with your child’s teacher.
I particularly like that last sentence as the closer. It brings us back to the section’s main idea, and “a little good news” is a warm reminder that communication with teachers doesn’t have to revolve around problems.
Remember, You Know Your Child, Too
A parent teacher conference isn’t just an opportunity to hear how your child is doing. It’s also a chance for the teacher to learn from you. Way to Grow Family Educator Precious encourages parents to share what they know about their child, including their strengths, emotions, interests, and experiences.
Maybe your child loves science but is hesitant to raise their hand in class. Perhaps they take a little longer to feel comfortable around new people, or they’ve recently discovered something they’re especially excited about.
You can also share changes happening outside of school that may be affecting your child. You don’t need to explain every detail of your family’s life. Just share what you’re comfortable with and what you think might help the teacher better understand what’s going on.
Your child’s teacher sees how they learn, interact, and grow in the classroom. You know who they are beyond it. Both perspectives can help you better support your child.
Come With a Few Questions
You don’t need a long list of questions or a carefully prepared speech. Think about what you’d most like to understand about your child’s experience at school and choose a few questions to bring along.
As children grow, conversations may change. Here are some ideas for different ages and stages.
Preschool (Ages 3 to 5)
Preschoolers are learning how to make friends, communicate their needs, manage big feelings, and be part of a group. Play also helps them develop language, problem-solving, and early learning skills.
- What does my child enjoy doing most at school?
- Does my child play with other children? Who do they spend time with?
- What happens when my child gets frustrated or upset? What helps them?
- What new things have you seen my child learn or try?
- Is there anything my child is struggling with that we could help with at home?
Kindergarten Through Second Grade (Approximately Ages 5 to 8)
During these years, children are building their reading, writing, and math skills. They’re also learning to work with classmates, ask for help, and become more confident doing things on their own.
- How is my child doing with reading, writing, and math? What are they doing well, and where do they need more practice?
- What subjects or activities does my child enjoy most?
- When my child doesn’t understand something, what do they usually do?
- How does my child get along with classmates? Do they have friends they spend time with?
- What’s one thing we could practice at home that would help my child at school?
Third Through Fifth Grade (Approximately Ages 8 to 11)
Children are beginning to use their reading, writing, and math skills for more challenging assignments. They’re also learning to manage their work more independently, solve problems, and navigate changing friendships.
- Which subjects are going well for my child? Which ones are harder?
- How well does my child understand what they’re reading? Can they explain what they’ve learned?
- How does my child manage assignments that take several days or have multiple steps?
- How is my child getting along with classmates? Have you noticed any friendship challenges?
- What would you most like my child to improve before our next conference?
One Question for Every Age
“What’s something you’ve noticed about my child that I might not know?”
You don’t need to ask every question. Choose a few that matter most to you, and don’t be afraid to ask your child’s teacher for an example or a little more explanation.
Make a Plan Together
Sometimes a conference brings up something you weren’t expecting. Maybe the teacher has noticed a challenge, or you’ve been wondering about something at home.
If something concerns you, ask for examples or more information. Way to Grow Education Manager Nichole encourages families to pay attention to concerns that continue over time, and a conference is a good opportunity to compare what you’re noticing at home with what the teacher is seeing at school.
Family Educator Nataya also recommends asking what tools or support might help if your child is struggling with a particular skill. What is the teacher trying in the classroom? Is there something you could practice at home? Are there other resources available?
Before the conference ends, talk about what comes next. You might agree to try a new approach, practice a skill, or check in again after a few weeks.
You don’t have to figure everything out in one meeting. The important thing is to leave knowing what you and the teacher can each do to help.
Keep the Conversation Going
Parent teacher conferences are just one part of your relationship with your child’s teacher.
You can reach out between conferences to ask a question, share something your child is proud of, or follow up on a plan you’ve made together.
And if you and the teacher see something differently, that’s okay. Ask questions, explain your perspective, and keep talking. You can always request another conversation if you need more time.
The goal isn’t a perfect conference. It’s a relationship where you can share information, ask for help, celebrate progress, and work through challenges as they come.
More From Our Educators
Through home visits, family support, and our preschool classrooms, Way to Grow’s educators help families support their children’s learning and build strong connections with their schools.
Looking for more practical ideas for your family? Follow Way to Grow or subscribe to our blog for more “From Our Educators” throughout the year.
Interested in Way to Grow’s free programs and services? Learn more about our work or find out how to enroll.
