One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to get involved in your child’s education – and that means attending conferences, even if they’re virtual. Not only do conferences allow you to hear how your child is doing in school they’re also a time when you can ask questions and get to know the teacher on a more personal level. If you don’t know what to ask at your next meeting, here are a few suggestions.
54 Questions you can use as a starting point for a conversation during your next virtual parent-teacher conference:
- How is my child doing academically?
- How has my child adjusted to distance/online learning? What have been the biggest challenges?
- How would you describe my child’s work ethic? Does he or she complete assignments on time? Putting forth full effort?
- What type of learner is my child?
- Does my child prefer to work alone or in groups?
- Does my child prefer visual, auditory, or kinesthetic methods of learning?
- Is there anything I can do at home to support my child’s learning?
- Are there any resources you would recommend?
- What does my child need to work on the most?
- Are there areas in which my child excels?
- How does my child participate in class discussions?
- Does my child speak up often or shy away from participating?
- What are some of the strategies you use to manage behavior in your classroom?
- Has my child exhibited behavioral problems in class recently?
- Is there anything in class that might be causing my child stress or anxiety?
- Have there been any social problems in class?
- What can I do to help my child with his/her social interactions?
- Is my child having difficulty making friends or interacting with classmates?
- How is my child doing emotionally in light of current events in the world?
- Is there anything I should be doing at home to support my child’s emotional needs?
- What are your thoughts on standardized testing? Do you think they accurately measure student achievement?
- What do you think is the greatest strength of our school district/school/classroom/my child?
- And conversely, what do you think is the greatest weakness of our school district/school/classroom/my child?
- What opportunities are available for parents to be involved in their child’s education (PTA, volunteering, etc.)?
- How can we as parents best support you and our children’s education?
- What are your plans for next year (in terms of curriculum, grade level changes, etc.)?
- How will this affect my child’s education next year and what can I do at home to prepare him or her for these changes?
- Do you have any concerns about my child’s well-being or safety?
- Is there anything I should know about how my child is feeling at school or with his or her classmates?
- What have you noticed about my child that you appreciate?
- My child has expressed interest in learning more about a particular topic. Can you recommend any resources for him/her?
- I’m concerned about problem Y. How can we address it together?
- Can we schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss these issues further?
- What are my child’s strengths and weaknesses?
- Who are my child’s friends?
- Is my child having any difficulties with technology?
- What can we do to make virtual school more enjoyable for my child?
- How can I help my child adjust socially to virtual school?
- How does my child feel about being on camera all day?
- Do you have any concerns about my child’s progress?
- Who can I contact if I have questions or concerns about my child’s progress?
- How often will you be sending home progress reports/updates on my child’s academic and behavioral progress?
- Will there be opportunities for me to meet with you throughout the year to discuss my child’s progress?
- Are there any upcoming school events that I should be aware of?
- What are the school’s policies on discipline?
- What are the school’s policies on bullying and harassment?
- How will the school keep me informed of my child’s progress?
- What are the school’s expectations for parental involvement?
- What are the school’s policies on communication with parents?
- What are the school’s policies on homework and grading?
- How often will my child have tests and quizzes?
- What is the school’s policy on the make-up work for missed days?
- What are the school’s policies on technology use in class and at home?
- How will distance learning be structured this year?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you prepare when conducting a parent-teacher conference?
When you prepare for a parent-teacher conference, it’s important to come prepared with all the information you need to discuss.
This might include grades and test scores, behavior reports, or other relevant information about your student’s progress. It’s also important that you clearly communicate your goals as a teacher and your expectations for the future parent-teacher relationship.
This will help you lay the groundwork for a productive and positive conversation and create an environment in which you and the parent can work together to promote the student’s growth and development. Overall, good preparation and clear expectations are the most important ingredients for a successful parent-teacher conference.
Do and don’ts of parent-teacher conferences?
Do’s and don’ts of parent-teacher conferences include being prepared with questions or concerns about your child’s progress, being respectful of the teacher’s time and knowledge, and making sure you follow any instructions or recommendations provided by the teacher.
On the other hand, you shouldn’t speak vaguely or dishonestly about your child’s behavior or progress, interrupt the teacher while he or she’s speaking, or enter the conference with a hostile or accusatory attitude. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your child gets the support he or she needs both at home and school.
Conclusion
Parent-teacher conferences are an important way to stay informed about your child’s progress and development at school. By asking the right questions, you can gain valuable insight that will help you better support your student both at home and in the classroom. So don’t be afraid to speak up and advocate for your child – he or she deserves it!
