This is a time of year when teachers and parents partner to discuss unique learning styles, focus on areas of growth, and note areas where a child shines. At Work & Play, we’ve sat on both sides of the table, leading conferences as teachers and receiving feedback as parents. We can confirm that both sides of the table have their pros and cons!
Conference time can be nerve-wracking. Even the most seasoned parents can feel nervous sitting down to hear another's perspective on their child. Many of us sit down and genuinely just hope that the teacher shows an understanding of who our child is and has the potential to become. Teachers are eager to share what they know and ask for your continued support.
Conferences are a great time to learn about your child. Consider what questions you might ask. While “What can we do at home?” or “Is he/she kind?” are fine questions, they rarely result in meaty conversations. You have time with an educational expert! Ask for their unique input and perspective on your child.
Here are our top 5 questions:
ASK: Tell me about friendships. How does my child interact with others?
So often we want to know that our little ones are feeling connected and welcome in a class. Knowing how they connect with others will help you get to more about their personality and preferences. If they connect more on the playground, maybe physical play is their preference. If they love to chat at lunch time then interactive activities might be where they shine. If they are a leader in dramatic play? Open-ended activities may suit them best.
ASK: Are there areas I could help my child gain independence?
Every child has an area that could use a little extra practice, especially in the early years. Tasks as mundane as zipping a jacket or cleaning up without a reminder are important skills for success. Take note of the teacher’s observations and see how you can support growth at home.
ASK: When does my child seem most engaged at school?
We LOVE this question! As teachers, we love to ask parents when kids are most engaged outside of school. Why? It gives us a window into their interests, curiosity, and approach to learning.
ASK: How does my child show kindness?
Kindness is a top priority for so many families. We can share how to foster kind behaviors and mindsets in school. Asking for specifics of how your child shows kindness in the classroom will likely give you a lens into a side of your young child you may not get to see as often. It’s exciting to see young children develop their voices and personalities outside of home.
ASK: Trust your gut, parents. If you have a question or concern, share it with the teacher.
Have a question that’s been weighing on you? Ask it! Better yet, ask it ahead of time in an email so the teacher can gather information to share. Partnering with teachers is an amazing way to help your child thrive in school. It's also great to ask the teacher if they notice any areas for growth that stand out for this age. Teachers know so much about development and learning.
And if you walk away from a conference with more questions? Reach out to us! At Work & Play we are experts at weeding through worries with parents. Whether it is a gap in learning, a behavior challenge, social-emotional learning, or a situation that is only a struggle at home, we are here to partner with parents and make the lift lighter.
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