Parent-teacher conferences can give both teachers and parents great insight into how a student is doing. But when parents ask the right questions, they can learn even more about their child and the classroom. Here are five things teachers wish parents would ask at parent-teacher conferences!
5 Things to Ask at Parent-Teacher Conferences
Question 1: What Can I Do to Help My Child?
Parents are a child’s first teacher and understanding how they can help their child at home is important. Make sure you, as a teacher, have that information ready for them.
If you’re a parent, asking how you can help signifies a willingness to be an active part in your child’s education. Don’t be afraid to ask for ideas!
Question 2: What Do You Need for the Classroom?
Teachers spend hundreds of dollars each year on supplies and materials for their classrooms. Having a parent ask how they can contribute means a lot!
Parents, don’t worry about being committed to large purchases when you ask. Boxes of tissues, bottles of hand sanitizer, glue sticks, and pencils are often the things that teachers need most mid-year.
Question 3: How Does My Child Treat Other Children?
Raising a child who is a good problem-solver is important, but raising a child who is kind to others is even so.
Parents, asking about how your child treats others and their social skills gives you a good idea of how your child behaves when you’re not around. It also might give you an indication of what areas to work on at home.
If your child has a history of bullying or being a victim of bullying, this is an especially important question to ask!
Question 4: How Can I Help Support You as the Teacher?
Parents, teachers need support too. Just knowing that you are on their side can make a world of difference in how they feel about the school year.
Recent years have been challenging for everyone, so reach out and offer support.
Question 5: May I Give You Feedback?
Feedback can be scary for anyone, but the majority of teachers genuinely want to have an open, honest relationship with their students’ families. That means being open to feedback and hearing what students like and dislike about their classroom community.
If you’re a teacher, what do you wish parents would ask you at parent-teacher conferences? What questions would be most beneficial for them and for you? Share with us below!
