Getting the most out of your Parent-Teacher Consultations

Parent-teacher consultations are not just for parents who have concerns about their child in the classroom. These meetings provide an opportunity for parents to partner with teachers in providing a good learning experience for children.

Here’s how to strengthen that partnership at your child’s parent-teacher consultation:

• Prepare for the conference. Do your research by talking to your child; find out how they are doing in class, how they feel about the different subjects and what’s happening at lunch and break.
• Respect the teacher’s time. Be prompt, try not to bring other children, and switch off your phone during the meeting.
• Come with a positive attitude. All teachers want what is best for your child - they are on your side. Positive, can-do attitudes make looking at challenges easier and more productive.
• Work together. Partner with your teacher by being a team player. Approach issues the teacher raises with the attitude of "We have to work together on this problem."
• Remember that this is about your child, not you. The teacher is not trying to tell you how to parent. Their focus is to help your child.
• Listen and be open-minded. A consultation is for teachers to give parents information based on classroom observation. The teacher would not bring up an issue if it was not necessary and in your child's best interests.
• Ask questions. After you’ve listened, it’s your turn to ask questions. Make a list beforehand so you’ll remember what’s important. 
• Learn the communication protocol. Ask the teacher about their preferred method of communication: phone, email, or notes. Let the teacher know you want to be an available parent.
• Ask how you can be involved. Whether you work full-time, part-time, or not at all, involvement is about being aware of what's happening with your child's education, not just about volunteering for events. What can you do at home to support what your child is learning at school? How can you help the teacher in planning events? All teachers appreciate supportive parents.