parents-teacher conference: take me thought it, please!

So, this Tuesday is our very first parent-teacher conference. My son is in K. We get 10 minutes of face to face time with his teacher. Can those more experienced in the matter take me through the proccess? What exactly goes on there? What to expect? Should I prepare some questions? Some answers?

And if there are any teachers here, any info from that sourse would be extra helpful!

Message edited 11/6/2010 11:37:32 PM.

Re: parents-teacher conference: take me thought it, please!

Hi, I'm a teacher. First, relax. :)

Go in with definite questions...more specific then "how's he doing?"

B/c its K I'd ask, how he gets along w/ his classmates; does he follow directions; how to help his reading readyness. If there's anything you think he's weak in/needs extra help. Is he a leader/follower.

Listen carefully to what the teacher is saying...is there an underlying message? I obviously do not know your child; but is the teacher saying, "he's spirited" (meaning unruly, etc.)

The 10 minutes goes quick. I'd first break the ice w/ the teacher; especially if you don't really know her (make a comment about the room or about won't be much longer---to us they seem to go on forever...all afternoon/night).

If you haven't got the progress report/report card, take a chance to look it over quick...look for the lowest marks & ask any q's. Read the teacher's comments on the rept card & see if you agree/disagree.

Then listen to what the teacher has to say & end w/ your q's.

You'll be fine

Re: parents-teacher conference: take me thought it, please!

Thank you SO much, Cindy!!!! Those are some great questions!

Spirited=unruly! I guess teachers need to be very PC when talking to adoring parents!

I have met the teacher before and interacted with him via e-mail many times. I should probably go over the emails from him and see if anything came up that I would like to follow up on!

Re: parents-teacher conference: take me thought it, please!

Also, always throw it back on the teacher. If there is an issue ask him how he suggests you can work on it at home. Ask for ideas.

Re: parents-teacher conference: take me thought it, please!

Had mine on Tuesday...pretty much the teacher went over what they tested him on - mostly letters, letters sounds, shapes, numbers, counting, site words, etc. Told me about his adjustment and how he is in class. Should me his class journal. Very Basic. I came in with things i wanted to know about - mostly regarding socialization and reading and asked how a few things work that I am not really understanding from my 5 yr old's descriptions. Luckily, things are going well for us so it was a quick and basic conversation.