Parent/Teacher Conference Preparation

The fall season is in full swing and with that comes another round of parent/teacher conferences. These meetings between teachers, parents, and students are crucial to ensure student success. Teachers oversee your child’s education and know their strengths and weaknesses. This places them in the unique position to offer you important insights regarding how your child is performing in school and how they should be set up for success in the future. To assist with the upcoming parent/teacher conferences we have prepared some recommendations for what to ask your child’s teacher(s):

1. Curriculum

What material will be covered this school year? How has my child adjusted from last year’s curriculum? What aspects of the curriculum that you’ve covered so far does my child excel in and struggle with?

It is important for you to know what your child will be learning throughout the school year. This allows you as a parent to anticipate the course load and structure your child’s time outside of the classroom in a way that allows them to focus on core concepts and key information. Given that school curriculums build upon the curriculums from prior school years, it is further important for you to be aware of the topics and concepts your child needs to improve in. Obtaining this information will allow your child and their educational support system to plan ahead.

2. Homework/Tests/Quizzes

How is my child performing on homeworks, tests, and quizzes? Do they need to spend more time preparing at home? Have you noticed any homework or quiz/test induced anxiety? Are there certain test taking tips I should focus on with them?

Some students get anxiety or feel uneasy when it comes to completing homework or they dread the thought of taking a quiz/test. Since teachers grade your child’s classwork and actively observe them as they complete it, they are well positioned to offer you deeper insight into your child’s emotional and mental wellbeing. They are able to identify recurring patterns which can then be addressed and remedied through an action plan. 

3. Motivation/Attitude/Confidence

How is my student’s confidence level? Are they hesitant to participate or do you actively volunteer? Do they have a positive attitude each day in the classroom? Are they lacking any motivation?

Teacher’s can not only provide you insight on the tangible academic success of your student, but they can also inform you as to their everyday demeanor and how they carry themselves in the classroom. Students learn best when they are active participants and contributors in the classroom, so it is important to know whether or not your child is proactively engaged. Determining if your child has any issues with motivation, attitude, or confidence is key for their continued success.

4. Individualized Support

How can I best continue to support my child’s academic success outside of the classroom and at home? What additional resources do they need to succeed or to ensure success? What resources are available to us? How can we best support my child as the year goes on?

Parents and teachers are the two groups of people who spend the most time in a child’s life throughout their schooling. As such, you both have a great amount of influence and control over not just your child’s education, but their character and how they develop as an individual. It is significant for you as the parent to forge a strong partnership with your child’s teachers to establish a strong support system and guarantee your child has everyone in their corner pushing for their success. 

Here at Mathnasium we understand the hard work and dedication required on part of the educators and parents of every child. Specifically, as a math learning center we work to build and strengthen your child’s mathematics foundations and skills. We can take the feedback you obtain from your child’s teachers and work alongside you to craft a viable action plan for your child’s mathematics success. Our work is tailored to your child’s needs and we develop strategies to ensure their strengths remain solid and their weaknesses are properly addressed and remedied. 

A strong mathematics foundation will serve your child well and allow for them to experience improvement in their other classes as well as we work to build their character, boost their confidence, keep them motivated, and ensure their understanding and mastery of all concepts presented to them.

We’re always here to help so please do not hesitate to call us at (858) 800-4284 or email us at [email protected] to schedule a Free Trial!