Things You'll Need:
- List of questions or concerns about your child.
- Any assignments or grades you are not comfortable with.
- A babysitter for other children
- A notepad, pen and open mind.
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Step 1
Create a list of topics you want to talk to the teacher about. You may keep this list posted on your fridge or desk and add to it over the course of the school year and in between parent/teacher meetings so you don't forget items that come up.
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Step 2
Don't be afraid to ask about assignments, classroom pacing and your child's level of interest. Too often in public schools overcrowding can cause some students to be bored because the classroom pace is modified for slower students. If your child needs more to do or more assistance, bring this up.
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Step 3
Ask about items or policies you don't understand. Don't hesitate to point out issues that may be lost in translation between the teacher, student and yourself. Teachers are human too and it's better to clear up misunderstandings rather than just letting them sit.
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Step 4
Make sure you have childcare for your younger children so that you have time to sit down with the teacher. If you cannot get into the classroom to have the meeting ask the teacher to arrange a phone conference or begin an email exchange that keeps you in the loop.
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Step 5
Discuss your child's perceptions. Do not dismiss issues that you are sure 'aren't real problems' -- if your child perceives them as problems then the teacher and school need to address these issues.
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Step 6
Don't wait for the teacher to initiate contact if you think you need to meet with her.
Comments
HonestShawn said
on 2/16/2009 Very good tips. I found your article very informative and I personaly took something extra from it since I am parent. I look forward to reading more of your work. 5*s :)