This document provides guidance on preparing for and participating in parent-teacher conferences. It discusses the purpose of conferences, which is to discuss a student's progress. It offers tips for before, during, and after conferences, such as making a list of questions to ask the teacher and following up with the teacher after the meeting. Sample questions are provided that parents can ask teachers about their child's participation, strengths, weaknesses, and how they can support learning at home. The document also provides role-playing activities to help parents practice for conferences.

1. Make the Most of your Parent-
Teacher Conference
Flickr image by cybrarian77: http://bit.ly/1jDIdty shared under CC BY-NC 2.0

2. Agenda
1. Review objectives
2. Introductions
3. Reflection- discussion question
4. What, why and when about parent-teacher conferences
5. What to do before, during and after the conference
6. A parent-teacher conference part a: listening activity
7. A parent –teacher conference: a speaking activity
8. Helpful links
9. homework

3. Workshop Objectives
1. You should have a clear understanding of the
purpose of parent-teacher interviews.
2. You should be able to prepare for a job
interview.

4. Introductions
1. What is your name?
2. Where are you from?

5. Have you ever been to a parent –
teacher Interview?
How did it go?
What was easy or difficult about it?

6. A. Basic information:
Three things you
should know about
parent-teacher
Interviews:

7. 1. What is it all about?
A parent teacher conference is a
meeting between you and your child’s
teacher.

8. 2. When may I have a
conference with my child’s
teacher?
• They usually happen:
1. at the beginning of the school year.
2. at report time.
3. 1f ever you or your child’s teacher
believe it to be necessary.

9. 3. Why should I attend a parent-
teacher conference?
Parent teacher conferences will give
you a good opportunity to speak to
your child’s teacher.

10. B. Parent- Teacher Conference
Tips
we are now going to consider
some parent-teacher
conference tips for before,
during and after the
conference:

11. Before the Conference
Talk to
your
child!
How do you
feel about
school?
Is there
anything you
want to talk to
your teacher
about?
Make sure your
child knows
that you and
the teacher
want to help
him/her!
Make a list of
things you
want to discuss
with the
teacher.

12. Before the Conference
Questions to ask
your child’s
teacher
Does my
child
participate
in class?
What can I do to help my
child at home?
Does my child
finish his/her on
time?
Does my child seem
happy at school?
What are my child’s
strengths and
weaknesses?

13. During the Conference
1. Be on time!
2. End the meeting on time!
3. Relax and be yourself!
4. Be calm and relax!
5. Ask the most important questions first!
6. Ask about your child’s progress
7. Ask for explanations if there is something you don’t understand!
8. Remember to ask how you can help your child at home!
9. Thank the teacher!

14. After the Conference
Communicate with
your child and your
child’s teacher!
Talk to your
child about the
conference
Talk about
positive points,
but be direct if
there are
problems
Tell your child
about the plans
you and the
teacher have
created
Let the teacher
know that you
want to stay in
contact
throughout the
year

15. More questions Does the school
have a dress
code?
How much time
should my child
spend on
homework?
Are there any
books or
websites you
could
recommend?
How does my
child get along
on the
playground?
What is the
best way to
contact you?
Do you need
help in the
class? Are there
any volunteer
opportunities? Does my child
participate in
class?

16. Listen!
1. How many people are talking?
2. How is Iliana doing?
3. What is her greatest strength?
4. What plan does Dorian and Allison
make?

17. Parent –Teacher Conference
Mrs. Piedra
Mrs. Wiebe
Mrs. Piedra
Mrs. Wiebe
Mrs. Piedra
Mrs. Wiebe
Mrs. Piedra
Mrs. Wiebe
Good evening Mrs. Wiebe. It is nice to meet you!
It is nice to meet you, too. You must be Iliana’s mother!
That’s right. I am Mrs. Piedra, but you can call me Dorian.
Very good. You can call me Allison. Before we get started I
want you to know that it is a pleasure to have Iliana in my
class. She is so well behaved. She is my best math student!
That is wonderful! I am glad to hear that!
Before I begin Dorian, do you have any questions for me ?
Yes. How is Iliana getting along with others? Does she have any friends?
I think you’ll be please to know that Iliana has many friends. She has only
been here a short time, but she gets along well with everybody in class!

18. Parent –Teacher Conference
Mrs. Piedra
Mrs. Wiebe
Mrs. Piedra
Mrs. Wiebe
Mrs. Piedra
Mrs. Wiebe
Mrs. Piedra
Mrs. Wiebe
How is her English? We are a little concerned about that.
Well, this has been a challenge for her, but she has really improved the
last weeks.
I’m sorry , can you repeat that please? A little slower?
Of course! Her English has really been improving over the last six
weeks.
Is there anything I can do to help at home?
I am glad you asked! It would be great if you could read with her.
I just started doing that. I am learning English too!
Excellent! Reading together is a great way to get closer to your child, and
both of you will improve your English skills.

19. Parent –Teacher Conference
Mrs. Piedra
Mrs. Wiebe
Mrs. Piedra
Mrs. Wiebe
Mrs. Piedra
Mrs. Wiebe
Mrs. Piedra
Mrs. Wiebe
I think you are right about that.
Dorian, is there anything else you would like to discuss?
Yes, I would like to volunteer at the school. Is this possible?
It sure is. I will give your name to our volunteer coordinator and we
will get that arranged. We can always use more volunteers. Thank
you.
Thank you for your time. I really appreciate the work you have been
doing with Iliana.
Well, like I said, she is a pleasure to have in my class.
Thanks again Allison Have a good night.
You’re welcome. We’ll be in contact again, soon.

20. Expressions for clarification
• “I’m sorry I didn’t understand what you
said.”
• “Can you repeat that, please?”
• “Could you write that down for me?”
• “Could you speak a little more slowly?”

21. Expressing Gratitude
 “ Thank you for teaching my child.”
 “Thank you for being patient with my
child.”
“Thank you for recognizing my child’s
special needs.”
“My child really enjoys coming to school.”
“My child is happy when he comes home
from school.”
 “I can see by your classroom that you
are a very hard working teacher.”

22. Now let’s Practice!
We are going to practice a dialogue for
parent- teacher interviews
Ask 3 questions Ask for clarification
Express gratitude

23. Thank you!