Parent-Teacher Conference

Parent-Teacher Conference - Parent-Teacher Conference Time
@maddysmommy (16230)
United States
November 2, 2007 9:27pm CST
My son has his first parent-teacher conference coming up next Monday. My husband has taken the day off so he can attend as well. Since its our first, we both are very anxious to find out how well he has been doing, or not, what areas he needs to improve on and if there is anything we should be doing at home to help our son get through Kindergarten. Have you had your parent-teacher conference yet? How should I prepare for it or is it something I don't need to prepare for and just turn up and listen to what his teacher has to say? What sorts of questions did you ask if any? Was it what you expected? Were there any surprises? Please Share!!
3 people like this
11 responses
@Flight84 (3048)
• United States
4 Nov 07
Awwww...don't worry. I'm sure he's doing fine if you've not heard anything by now. My daycare does parent-teacher conferences the first Tuesday of every month. I thought that was interesting because I've never heard of a daycare doing that.
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
4 Nov 07
wow a daycare does it every Tuesday - that's very thorough - I wonder if its worthwhile having them once a week?
@Flight84 (3048)
• United States
6 Nov 07
Nah, it's only the first Tuesday of every month, and apparently it doesn't work. We were told at a staff meeting last night that hardly anyone showed up last month and we would now be able to schedule them ourselves instead of doing it center-wide. I could understand the older classes having them, but not the really young children. It's a shame though that more parents didn't show up. I think the owner said that only 5 parents came and 2 of them were employees with children at the center!
1 person likes this
@Rozie37 (15499)
• Turkmenistan
4 Nov 07
Well, you should make sure to bring his day care and pre-school records. Just in case the teacher accuses him of something that you know he would never do. By this time, he should only be coloring inside the lines, no excuses. The teacher may want you to tell her all the things he knew before enrollong him in the school, so make a list. Be sure not to miss anything or she will assume he already knows and will not teach him. If the teacher pauses for a second, don't be nervous, just say, well he plays well with others at home. And by all means, don't forget to let him take a picture with the teacher and get her autograph, LOL. Relax, he's doing fine. It's only Kindergarten, it's not like he's going for his doctorate degree. Although, come to think of it, I did hear about a kid that flunked Kindergarten. Oh my, you better panic. Quick, go work yourself up into a frenzy and slap your husband around a little bit. By that time, you'll be tired to worry, LOL.
1 person likes this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
4 Nov 07
hahaha ok I'm relaxed LOL It will be interesting what the teacher has to say though because I know he behaves differentl when he is at school as opposed to home - thats what I am worried about lol I'll make sure I breathe and relax :)
1 person likes this
@Rozie37 (15499)
• Turkmenistan
5 Nov 07
The most it could be is that he is either more shy or more expressive around his peers. It's not like this whole other human comes out when the school bus opens it's doors to the playground. But, who knows, there might be a liitle anti-camera rebel in there somewhere, LOL.
1 person likes this
@sbeauty (5865)
• United States
3 Nov 07
I am a teacher and a parent, so I've been on both ends of this parent/teacher conference thing. There is nothing for you to prepare for or to worry about. A good first Kindergarten conference should be fairly gentle. The teacher will tell you what she is seeing at school, and you'll be able to compare her observations with what you're seeing at home. Keep in mind that many children act very differently at home and at school, so please don't discount what the teacher is saying. I've had parents who try to protect their child by saying, "I know my child would never do that." The teacher knows what she/he is seeing, so it does no good to deny it. The only way to help your child is to put the problem out on the table and deal with it. Remember that you and the teacher both want the same thing -- the best education possible for your child. View the teacher as a friend and then, together, you can rejoice at your son's triumphs and work on his problems. Yes, he will have them. No child is perfect even though we as parents might like to think so. But don't worry about them, either. With support and guidance he'll do just fine!
1 person likes this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
4 Nov 07
Thank you for your comments sbeauty - really appreciate what you have said. I feel less anxious now and will make sure we do listen to what his teacher has to say.
@BinKsBaBy (505)
• United States
5 Nov 07
I just had my daughters first parent teacher confrence a week or so ago, and it was my first ever too! She just started kindergarden. It lasted about 20 minutes or so, her teacher went over the state requirments for passing kindergarden. Showed me my daughters work progress also showed me my daughters weekly state tests that they do 1 on 1 with the teacher. She let me know how she was doing in class. Showed me the few things my daughter needs to work on a bit a few letters she needs more practice on. I dont remember everything I asked but I did have a few questions about the general rules of her class that I was confused my what my daughter came home saying LOL! As well as questions I thought of as the teacher was talking. Basically no no need to prepare. Just if there is any questions your having about anything it will be the best time to ask. Also I would say make sure you write down anything important the teacher might have to say. Then follow up =) help your son with any of the things that he may need help with. Of course LOL! GOOD LUCK!
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
5 Nov 07
Thank you BinksBaby - that was pretty much how his meeting went today. We did ask a few questions and overall he is doing very well. A few things to work on but other than that, I am happy to hear how well he is behaving and interacting with his class and teacher/s. Totally different to how he acts at home (well some of the time!)
• Denmark
4 Nov 07
A parent-teacher conference is not something you can prepare for really. The teacher will let you know what you need to know and the questions will come automatically. Only if you have something specific of concerns would you prepare the question, but then you will know what is your concern and the question will come easy to mind.
1 person likes this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
4 Nov 07
Great! I have a few questions to ask thanks to a few of the other posts but I'm sure it will be ok.
@ayshren (136)
• United States
3 Nov 07
I just went to one those other day. Its not something you need to prepare for. They will go over everything with you and let you know how he is doing in each area. I dont know how it is where you live, but here in NC, they have certain little tests that they do with each child just to see where your child stands, if they are on, below or above average. They will go over that with you as well. Im sure he is doing great:)
1 person likes this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
4 Nov 07
Thanks ayshren. We live in Virginia so as far as I know there is no test but then again I'm not sure because we haven't been given an outline of what will be said at the meeting. Since its only 20 minutes max, I doubt that there will be one. Thanks for sharing!
@I_LUV_U (2519)
• India
7 Nov 07
I've seen hundreds of parent-teacher conferences, not as a parent although, but as a terrified student. LOL! I don't think you need to specially prepare yourself for it, since you are on the recieving end. Just simply nod to everything the teacher says, even pretend to scold your son if they complain much against him and see how you can work on those complaints for the better of your child. That *pretending* part is quite necessary, i feel. It's the best tool to get the teacher's honest opinion about your son. That's all, i think. Well, one last thing, don't spank or scold your child seriously after you get back home having heard of all his mischiefs and other deeds, from the teacher. That really kills the children's natural instinct and affinity towards learning. Try to motivate him to learn through love and affection. Good luck!
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
7 Nov 07
Thanks for your response my friend. It actually went better than expected and my son is doing quite well. There are a few things to work on but his behavior according to the teacher has been great, he listens and follows instructions well and is very well liked in his class. he has also made a few special friends. I was happy to hear all that.
@I_LUV_U (2519)
• India
7 Nov 07
Oh! i've been late to respond to this post. The parent-teacher conference must be over by now. Anyway, my post will come to use for your next parent-teacher meeting. That way i'm early..lol.
@fab315 (1231)
• Philippines
3 Nov 07
Hello! That's so nice of your husband to take a day off so he can be with you during the parent-teacher conference, I bet you both are so excited about it. Well, sorry I can't share any experiences about it as I haven't been into such but i'm excited of the thought of it. It'll would be fun I guess, *hehe* to know how your kid is doing in school and how proud you'll be. For sure maddy is such a good kid and student and is doing great in school, they'll be no surprises for sure. I bet your one big proud mommy!. Take care *smile* ciao! c",)
1 person likes this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
4 Nov 07
Yeah, its important for him to be there just to hear from the teacher how well our son is doing at school. It's not the same when he gets second hand information from me and because school is important for us and our son, we thought (being the first one and all) that he take time off to come along as well. Just as well he has lots of leave on hand. Thanks fab315 :)
@dreamy1 (3811)
• United States
3 Nov 07
I'm not a parent but I taught kids that age for a few years. At that age academics is not the primary focus. A big thing to look at for me is his behavior. You want to ask about your child's behavior in the classroom. You want to know how does he interact with the teacher and especially his classmates. How are his skills as far as his large and fine motor skills. Everyone is different but you can tell how his progress is compared to the overall class. Socialization skills are a big thing for those ages. Can he concentrate in class and follow the teachers directions? How does he get along with his peers? What are his weaknesses and strengths? Is he mastering the basic skills being taught? These are some of the questions you can start with.
1 person likes this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
3 Nov 07
Thank you so much dreamy1 - I really appreciate the questions you have posted. You mentioned a few that I was thinking about asking in terms of his behavior, concentration in class and his weaknesses. I know that he has very good social skills considering he did not have much contact with children prior to starting Kindergarten - I was told by the instructional teacher how well he interacts with his classmates. I really appreciate your thoughts, thank you.
@theprogamer (10534)
• United States
3 Nov 07
Once again Maddy, I'm no parent so my post won't be much
1 person likes this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
4 Nov 07
Will do theprogrammer. Thanks for your comment - I'm sure it will be all good and if there are things that he needs to improve on then that is ok too.
@pkristie7 (606)
• United States
3 Nov 07
My daughter is in the 3rd grade and this is the first parent teacher conference that I am actually nervous about attending. She isn't doing as good as every other year, and I feel responsible. I feel like the teacher is going to yell at me this time. I just had my 3rd child in August and I haven't been giving her homework as much attention as I should. I never prepare for them, I just show up and listen. If I think of something that needs to be brought up I will ask. Pretty much the teacher just tells you how your child is doing and shows you what is going on. Our schools conferences are only 15 minutes so there isn't time to talk about much.
1 person likes this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
4 Nov 07
Good luck with your daughter - After reading a few of the responses I am less anxious than when I first posted this discussion. Just not knowing what to expect is what gets me a little worried but I'm sure it will be ok. Thanks for sharing and let us know how is goes!