The North Tampa Explorers believe that it takes a village to raise a child, and we’re proud to partner with you and play a role in your child’s development. Parent-teacher conferences are important; they’re a time to learn more about your child and what goes on in their classroom when you’re not there. Learn how you can prepare for these conferences.
Why Prepare
Think of your time in a parent-teacher conference as being similar to your time during a doctor’s visit: there may be a lot that you want to talk about in a short amount of time, so the better prepared you are going in, the more productive the meeting will be for everyone involved.
Write Things Down
Before you get to the conference, write down a list of any questions or concerns you may have. They will likely be addressed throughout your conversation, but if you don’t write them down, you may forget what you wanted to talk about. If a specific issue or question doesn’t come up, don’t be afraid to ask! Bring a notepad and pen with you as well. This will help jog your memory later on, and it also shows that you’re taking the conference seriously.
How Can I Help?
Talk to the teacher about your child’s progress and development academically, socially, and emotionally, and ask what they feel their strengths and weaknesses are. Ask how you can help them overcome any challenges and how you can encourage skills being taught in the classroom. Their teacher will be more than happy to suggest activities and strategies to support learning at home.
Share Your Insights
You know your child better than anyone, and this is a great chance to share any information that their teacher should be aware of. Do they have a certain learning style or a favorite classroom activity? Are there any changes at home that may be affecting their behavior in class? Come prepared to share these things with the teacher.
Talk to Your Child
In the days leading up to the conference, talk to your child. Ask what they would like you to ask the teacher, what they like best about going to school, and what they’re struggling with.
Determine Communication
Make sure that you leave the conference with a plan of action. Find out the best way to follow up with your child’s teacher if you think of any more questions, and share the best way to contact you as well.
Work Together
While at the conference, let the teacher lead the way and direct the conversation. Listen to what they have to say first, and then base your questions off of that. Remember that you and your child’s teacher are on the same team, and you both care about your child and want to see them succeed.
At the North Tampa Christian Explorers, a preschool in Wesley Chapel, we believe it’s never too early to start fostering your child’s sense of curiosity and wonder. From the design of our indoor and outdoor classrooms to the interactions and experiences that take place on our campus, everything we do is intentional. We partner with you to provide the very best early experiences for your little ones. Want to learn more about what makes us different? Contact us today.