The Chronicles of a Teacher #2: Parent-Teacher Conferences (Tips & Tricks)

Photo by Javier Quesada on Unsplash

Family involvement is a big thing for all teachers in the world, well at least for me. Creating positive partnerships with parents have undoubtedly proven to boost students' learning performance in various aspects. I have came across some parents with a little fear to hear true insights into their child's progress at school... and of course, likewise for teachers, we know that heavy feeling to communicate clearly and wisely to parents about their child with behavioural or academic concerns. You know, we all need that extra finesse of a diplomat. Nevertheless, both parents and teachers, we need to know the heart of parent-teacher conferences and that is the best interest of the child. Nothing more, definitely nothing less.

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Even after 8 years of teaching, I am still learning to speak wisely and listen attentively, especially to interpret and clarify things while reading between the lines throughout the parent-teacher conferences. Know that parents and children from different countries have their unique beliefs about how education should look like, feel like and sound like. Working in such setting (international schools) has definitely opened up new perspectives and mindsets about teaching and learning, but here are eight tips and tricks I have for you, teachers:

1. Be equipped with learning evidences

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Collecting and documenting learning evidences of our students is part and parcel of our teaching job. It is absolutely crucial to organize these evidences, be it in hard copies or soft copies, for the purpose of tracking each and every child's progress at school. These evidences can be presented in the form of students' reflection, portfolios, pictures, learning stories, samples of work, quizzes, assessments and anecdotal records. It may be a little overwhelming to present and share all of these on the big day itself, so be sure to summarize them in the form of a checklist or, how I would prefer it to be, in the form of a slideshow presentation. If and when asked further, I will then pull out other learning evidences to explain more. In other words, present the 'main dish' in a simplified yet comprehensive way, and have your 'side dishes' ready next to you.

2. Always begin with the child's strengths

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Teachers, this is the most basic thing that we all should know. While directing our parents in different sections of the conferences, it is always good to start with what we have learned or explored this term or semester AND what the child did best in those subject areas, before moving into areas of improvements. In fact, you can also couple this by referring to the grade-level standards and expectations, reflecting how much the child has grown in the said area. Remember, our priority is the best interest of the child. Starting off the conference on a positive note will help reduce the surge of anxiety from parents too, and transitioning to the 'bad news'.

3. Avoid using too much 'teacher jargon'

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Minimize the use of strong 'teacher jargon' to ensure a meaningful, coherent parent-teacher conference. My personal trick for this would be to find other similar words or to explain in simple, layman's terms to parents. Sometimes, I would also give examples that we can all connect to, in the real world. Recently, I used the concept of baking to a class parent who loves cooking and baking to explain her son's work at school. I was sharing how her son is such an expert to identify and summarize important details or content in his poster and journals, but his work lacks refinement. Just like a delicious cake without fondant and other pretty stuffs on it. xD

4. Remove 'does not', 'cannot', 'could not', 'should not' and every other 'nots' in your conversations

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In my last post, I have written about the power of words as seeds and bullets. The same values are upholded here in parent-teacher conferences. When it comes to that part of the conversation where you need to be honest about the child's areas of improvement, the use of right and positive words will help build trust and confidence in this partnership. In my book, it is essential for parents to feel assured and confident with their child's teacher, that he/she is interested to support and motivate the child. Instead of using 'nots', try using phrases like, "I really hope that he/she can...", "I look forward to seeing more growth from him/her...", "He/she can improve by...", and many others. Most importantly, get your message across without sugar-coating it, and in a constructive manner.

5. Create a warm, welcoming environment

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An open space sufficient for four adults to sit together and "chill" throughout parent-teacher conferences is a BIG YES! On top of that, be sure to provide some pencils, pens, erasers and papers for parents to take down notes, if they like to, as well as making sure that our class displays are presented and documented around the classroom space. A little hint of potted plants and other simple decorative items can add that "cafe" vibes while parents sip on their coffee. Altogether, the aim is to introduce calm vibes for parent-teacher conferences. Scented candles might be a little too much, but if you like the idea of it, go ahead and do it!

6. Make an action plan together

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After going through the child's strengths and areas of improvements, reflection and goal setting should fittingly sum up the parent-teacher conference. This is a golden opportunity to emphasize and re-emphasize on the importance of parent-teacher partnership to move forward for greater and bigger things for the child. Use this 'action planning' time to invite parents to support the learning growth at home, and trust me, many parents really value this invitation as they can observe and discern strong interest, commitment and enthusiasm shown at school, by teachers. It is about doing it together, with more brains and hands. The agreed action plan, the 'dessert', can be revisited in the next parent-teacher conference too. Now, that is the beauty of growth.

7. Anticipate frequently asked questions

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Here are some examples of questions that parents may possibly asked:

• Does my child behave at school?
• Is he/she good with his/her friends?
• How can I support him/her at home?
• Is he/she ready for the next grade?
• Does my child listen to you, and his/her friends?
• What can you tell about my child, about his/her ability?
• What am I not asking but should be?
• Should I give additional homework at home?
• How much screen time should I give to my child at home?

8. Seriously consider your appearance for the big day

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Our appearance is one of the first things that people will notice about us, and this sends out big impressions and vibes to the receiver(s) or observer(s). Professional attire is known to reflect the vibes of a teacher that is credible, well-prepared and perhaps, more intelligent. For me, I personally dislike wearing extremely formal attires unless I have to. My preferred choice is leaning toward casual-formal clothing, with neutral or less striking colours. Does this really make a difference? Mmm, yes, I feel so. Ultimately, the goal is to discuss about the child's progress during parent-teacher conferences, and it is good to minimize any possible visual distractions. It is also not advisable to wear "noisy jewelry" like huge, chunky earrings and bracelets during parent-teacher conferences.

Geez, I just had my parent-teacher conferences this week, and that's why I am inspired to share some tips and tricks for effective parent-teacher conferences with you guys in today's post! I really hope you are benefited in some ways! :D

Waiting for the child's dad to join our discussion. That's me with my slideshow presentation and anecdotal records of the child.

A black-and-white picture of me in action, as summoned by @iamjadeline in her #sevendaybnwchallenge :)

Thank you for reading my post today! Hope you enjoyed it.

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