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PTM in Schools – Why Are Parent-Teacher Conferences Important?

Every student and every parent are familiar with Parent-Teacher Conferences. Usually, schools host such a meeting at least twice a year to discuss the progress and development of the students. Quite a few CBSE schools in Gurgaon especially lay focus on such conferences for a child’s overall development. But where is the importance of parent teacher meeting? After all, a parent and a teacher belong to two very different spheres of a child’s life, so why is a meeting between the two important? Here is why.

Table of Contents

To Discuss the Social And Emotional Skills Of The Child/Student

Formal education sometimes misses out on laying emphasis on how important the development of social and emotional skills is in a person. By the pre-teenage years, a person develops a distinct personality, and the environment they thrive in helps to mould their behaviour. Their life at home affects their behaviour at school and vice-versa.

So, if a student is showing poor social skills, i.e., they seem to not have friends and remain aloof mostly, it may be a cause of concern. Therefore, to identify and rectify the situation, a parent and a teacher need to work together. More importantly, the case might be that the student in question is displaying poor emotional behaviour only at home or only at school or after coming home from school. In a parent teacher meeting, the two together discover a cause for this and help the child.

To Discuss the Student’s Educational Progress

This is especially important in the context of today’s online classes. The virtual learning platform is a world apart from real classrooms, and thus the learning experience is different. While children are quite smart with technology, how much they can acclimate themselves to online learning is still debatable. There may be a gap happening in the learning of many students. The importance of parent teacher meeting lies in addressing this gap.

Even in a real-life setting, a teacher and a parent coming together and discovering areas of weakness and strengths of a child can help them immensely.

To Recognize the Language Development of Students

Young children often like to relate stories of their school in their homes and vice versa. The duty of both a teacher and a parent is to identify this stage in the language development of their child. In a parent teacher meeting, the two parties should discuss the language skills of a student because how they use language also reflects on their intelligence.

School is the place a student learns new languages, so the ability to produce unique sentences in any language shows their IQ. This is, of course, applicable for nursery kids to pre-teens, i.e. till standard VII. The importance of parent teacher meeting lies in the fact that it helps to build a bridge between the two important facets of a student’s life.

To Aid the Development of Cognitive Skills

The cognition of a child when they first start school is measured by how fast they are able to replicate words and sentences shown to them in writing or hearing. If a child who has started school in January is able to recognize their name in writing by, say, March or April, then that is impressive cognitive development. The best CBSE schools in Gurgaon emphasize cognitive growth as a vital part of a child’s overall development. This is because it is one skill that will help them ace all areas of life- be it in math, English, science, art or music.

In later years, when a student gradually moves towards the teens, their cognitive ability is tested by seeing how much of an original response they can provide to questions asked. Since students spend a lot of their time in school, teachers can offer an insight on how to test their cognition at home as well.

To Discuss a Student’s Other Relevant Skills Such as Group Interaction, Personality Etc.

CBSE schools in Gurgaon and CBSE schools in general often observe the group skills of a student as it is important skill in life. A child that can work well in a group is considered to be doing better than someone who refuses to cooperate with groups. That being said, the ability to work alone in a completely independent manner is also considered impressive. Each child is different, and how they interact is also different and unique.

Planning and organizing parent-teacher meeting is fruitful in the sense that it facilitates communication between a child’s guardian at home and a child’s major caretaker at school. Both of these important figures in a child’s life can come together to discuss the development and progress in a parent teacher conference.

Last But Not Least,

In such a meeting, a parent gets to see the environment their child is growing up in and meet the people who are nurturing their child. This helps them be intimately involved in their child’s life which can be very important. This is precisely why CBSE schools in Gurgaon lay such importance on parent-teacher conferences. Finding points to discuss in Parents Teacher meetings and sharing the progress of a child helps to keep both sides updated. The end goal, after all, is the betterment of the student. This is where the importance of parent teacher meeting lies.

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Parent Teacher Meeting: Importance And Benefits

Parent-teacher meeting (PTM) are an essential aspect of a child’s education. These meetings provide teachers with the opportunity to communicate with parents about their child’s academic progress, behavior, and any concerns that may arise.

PTMs allow teachers to work together with parents to ensure that the child is receiving the best possible education.  While PTMs can be time-consuming and demanding for both teachers and parents, they offer numerous benefits that cannot be overlooked.

By attending PTMs, parents can gain insight into their child’s academic strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to support their child at home effectively.  Teachers can also use these meetings as an opportunity to learn more about each student in their class on a personal level, which can help them tailor their teaching approach to meet individual needs.

What is PTM?

The Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM) is a scheduled event that takes place at schools, usually once or twice a year.  During this meeting, teachers and parents come together to discuss the academic progress and behavior of their children without any biases or personal opinions. 

The main purpose of PTM is to establish open communication between the two parties, which helps in building trust and understanding. One of the biggest benefits of PTM is that it provides an opportunity for parents to get involved in their child’s education.  

When parents attend these meetings, they can better understand their child’s strengths and weaknesses and how they can support them at home.  This involvement also leads to higher levels of student achievement as students feel supported by both their teachers and parents.

To make the most out of PTMs, both teachers and parents need to prepare well in advance. Teachers should have a clear idea about each student’s progress so far, including areas where they need improvement.  Parents should have clear expectations from these meetings regarding what they want to achieve through this discussion with the teacher.

PTMs are an essential part of a student’s academic journey as it facilitates healthy communication between teachers and parents.  Through preparation and effective communication during these meetings, parents become more involved in their child’s education while also gaining insight into areas where they can provide additional support at home. 

Is PTM Important?

The significance of parent-teacher meeting cannot be overstated as it provides a platform for sharing information and fostering positive relationships between stakeholders in a child’s education. PTMs are important because they give parents an opportunity to meet their children’s teachers, discuss student progress, and learn more about what is happening in the classroom.

This interaction allows teachers to share information with parents on how they can support their children at home. One of the benefits of parent-teacher meetings is that it helps to improve student progress by allowing teachers to identify areas where students may need extra help or attention.

What Are Some Tips For Teachers In PTM?

Effective communication strategies are crucial for fostering a positive and supportive environment during parent-teacher conferences, ultimately leading to improved student outcomes. Teachers should be prepared with an agenda that outlines the topics to be discussed during the meeting.

This helps both parties stay focused and ensures that important issues are not overlooked. Active listening is another key component of effective communication during PTM. Teachers should listen attentively to parents’ concerns and questions, and provide thoughtful responses. 

Constructive feedback should also be given in a respectful manner, highlighting areas of strength as well as opportunities for improvement. Follow-up actions are necessary to ensure that any agreements or action plans made during the PTM are carried out. 

Both teachers and parents should have a clear understanding of what needs to happen next, whether it involves additional meetings or specific actions taken by either party.  By following through on these commitments, trust can be built between parents and teachers, leading to stronger relationships and better outcomes for students.

Do I Need To Do Anything Before The Meeting?

Prior preparation is necessary for a productive and successful parent-teacher conference. Teachers should take the time to plan their agenda, organize their thoughts, and gather materials that they may need during the meeting. Preparation tips can include reviewing student work or progress reports beforehand, creating a list of talking points, and considering questions or concerns that parents may have.

By putting in this extra effort before the conference, teachers can ensure that they are well-equipped to communicate effectively with parents. Communication strategies are also crucial for a successful PTM. Teachers should try to establish a positive and welcoming atmosphere from the outset by greeting parents warmly and inviting them to share their own insights about their child’s learning.

Active listening skills are essential throughout the conference, as teachers should be attentive to parent feedback and respond thoughtfully. Encouraging parent involvement in goal-setting or action planning can help foster collaboration between home and school to support student success.  Following up with parents after the meeting via email or phone call can help keep communication lines open and reinforce any agreed-upon next steps. 

By taking these additional steps beyond just having a conversation during PTM, teachers can build stronger relationships with parents and keep students on track toward achieving academic success.

What Should I Do If I Can’t Attend A Scheduled Parent-Teacher Conference?

In the event that an individual is unable to attend a scheduled parent-teacher conference, it is important to communicate with the school and explore alternative options for engaging in productive discussions about their child’s academic progress.  Rescheduling options may be available, depending on the policies of the school and the availability of both parties involved.

It is crucial to inform the school as soon as possible if attendance cannot be confirmed or if there is a need for rescheduling. Communication alternatives can also be considered if attending physicals at school is not feasible. Virtual conferences are becoming more popular nowadays due to technological advancements that make it easier for people from different locations to communicate with each other in real time. 

Schools may offer virtual conferencing services or recommend third-party applications that facilitate video conferencing, such as Zoom or Google Meet. Proxy attendees can also be considered, especially in cases where parents have pressing engagements but still want someone else who could represent them during meetings with teachers. This option must involve prior consent from both parties involved and should only be utilized when necessary.

Should I Talk To My Child About What The Teacher Said?

Discussing the teacher’s feedback with one’s child is an important aspect of parent involvement in their child’s academic success. Communication strategies between parents and teachers can be enhanced by active listening and open dialogue. By talking to their child about what the teacher said, parents can gain a better understanding of their child’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as any areas that require improvement.

It is essential for parents to approach these conversations in a positive and constructive manner. Parents should listen actively to their child’s perspective on the feedback provided by the teacher, acknowledging any concerns or questions they may have. This type of communication fosters a sense of collaboration between all parties involved and promotes a more positive learning environment for the student.

Discussing teacher feedback with one’s child has numerous benefits for both parties involved. It allows for open communication channels between parents, students, and teachers while promoting a collaborative approach toward achieving academic success. By using effective communication strategies such as active listening and constructive dialogue, parents can help facilitate productive discussions with their children that ultimately lead to improved educational outcomes.

What Are Some Important Tips For Teachers About PTM?

In order to ensure a successful Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM), there are certain important tips that teachers should keep in mind. Firstly, being proactive is crucial when it comes to scheduling and organizing the meeting. Teachers should also be welcoming and create a comfortable environment for parents to discuss their child’s progress.

It is equally important for teachers to explain the objectives and expectations of the meeting beforehand, be prepared with relevant information, and create an action plan for addressing any concerns or issues raised by parents.

1. Be Proactive:

To effectively address potential issues, being proactive in teacher meetings with parents is crucial. Teachers who adopt a proactive approach are able to foster effective communication and build positive relationships with parents. This requires a positive attitude towards parent involvement and problem-solving strategies that can help prevent issues from escalating.

Being proactive means anticipating potential problems before they arise, and taking steps to address them proactively. This includes scheduling regular meetings with parents to discuss their child’s progress and any concerns they may have.  It also involves creating a safe space for open dialogue where both parties can share their thoughts and ideas without judgment or fear of retribution.

2. Be Welcoming:

Having a proactive approach is crucial in ensuring the success of any teacher-parent meeting. However, being proactive alone may not be enough to establish a comfortable and productive environment for both parties. That’s where being welcoming comes into play. 

Open communication is key to building positive relationships between teachers and parents. As such, it’s important for educators to greet parents with warm greetings and maintain a positive attitude throughout the meeting.  Creating a welcoming environment can also help foster trust between teachers and parents, which can lead to more productive outcomes for students.

3. Explain Objectives and Expectations:

Establishing clear objectives and expectations is crucial for creating a productive and effective teacher-parent meeting. Teachers must ensure that they communicate their goals, strategies, and priorities to the parents in order to foster mutual understanding and collaboration. By setting realistic and specific objectives, teachers can manage parental expectations effectively, which helps them avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.

Teachers should provide regular updates on the academic progress of their students and solicit feedback from parents on how they can improve their teaching methods. This approach creates a sense of partnership between teachers and parents, leading to more positive outcomes for students in terms of academic success.

4. Be Prepared:

Having explained the objectives and expectations of a teacher meeting with parents, it is essential to highlight the importance of being prepared. As a teacher, preparation tips are your best friend when it comes to engaging effectively with parents. The success of any meeting lies in effective communication strategies, presentation skills, time management , and active listening.

To be adequately prepared for these meetings, you must have all relevant information about the student at your fingertips.  This includes academic performance reports, behavioral records, and any other relevant information that can help you provide accurate feedback to concerned parents.

5. Create an Action Plan:

Developing an action plan is crucial for ensuring productive teacher-parent interactions and achieving desired outcomes. A well-crafted action plan can help establish clear expectations, facilitate effective communication, and ensure that both parents and teachers are working towards the same goals.

One of the key components of an action plan is a communication strategy that outlines how information will be shared between teachers and parents. This can involve regular progress reports, emails, or phone calls to discuss concerns or successes, or even parent-teacher conferences.

6. Use the Good-Bad-Good Sandwich:

Utilizing the good-bad-good sandwich technique can be an effective way to deliver constructive feedback during teacher-parent interactions.  Effective communication is essential in fostering a positive relationship between teachers and parents, especially when it comes to discussing the progress of their children.

The good-bad-good sandwich method involves starting with a positive comment, followed by constructive criticism , and ending with another positive comment.  This balanced approach ensures that the parent receives both positive feedback and areas for improvement in a manner that is not too harsh or critical.

7. Don’t Tolerate Abuse:

Abuse prevention should be a top priority in any educational setting, and this includes when teachers meet with parents. It is important for teachers to set clear boundaries and communicate effectively with parents to ensure that the meeting remains productive and respectful.

Teachers should also have strategies in place to address any abusive behavior from parents, including reporting incidents to school administration or law enforcement if necessary.

8. Keep Lines of Communication Open:

Maintaining open lines of communication in educational settings fosters a collaborative environment that encourages active participation and engagement. Effective communication between teachers and parents is crucial in promoting student success.  Parents who are involved in their child’s education tend to have a better understanding of their child’s academic strengths and weaknesses, as well as any issues that may be affecting their learning experience.

Building relationships with parents through open communication can also lead to improved trust and respect between teachers and families. Active listening is an important aspect of communication, allowing both parties to express their thoughts and concerns without interruption or judgment.

How Can I Provide Feedback and Updates To Parents Throughout The School Year?

One effective way to keep parents informed of their child’s progress throughout the school year is by regularly sharing updates on academic performance and behavioral developments.  Progress tracking can be done through online platforms where parents can log in and view their child’s grades, attendance, and other important information.

This allows for transparency and encourages parent involvement in their child’s education. Regular updates on behavior can also be shared through communication channels such as emails or phone calls. It is important to note that providing regular feedback not only benefits parents but also supports student success. 

When parents are aware of their child’s progress, they can offer additional support at home or communicate with teachers about any concerns they may have. By keeping lines of communication open between teachers and parents, a collaborative effort can be made to ensure each student reaches their full potential.

Can I Talk To The Teacher Outside of A Parent-Teacher Meeting?

Engaging in communication with educators beyond scheduled parent-teacher conferences can foster a deeper understanding and connection between families and schools, ultimately leading to improved student outcomes.  Teacher accessibility is one major issue that parents may encounter; some teachers may not have the time or resources necessary to engage in frequent communication outside of their designated office hours.

Scheduling conflicts may also pose a challenge for both parties; teachers have busy schedules that often include extracurricular activities or administrative duties, while parents may find it difficult to schedule time outside of work hours.  Alternative communication options can help alleviate some of these challenges.

For example, many schools now offer online portals where parents can access their child’s grades and assignments or communicate with teachers through private messaging systems.  This allows for secure and convenient communication at any time without the need for scheduling conflicts or privacy concerns.

Conclusion:

Parent-teacher meeting (PTM) are essential for fostering a healthy and productive academic environment. Teachers can use PTMs to provide valuable feedback to parents about their child’s performance in school, while also receiving important insights from parents that can inform their teaching strategies .

Preparation is key for both teachers and parents before the meeting, so as to ensure that the conversation is focused and productive. During PTMs, teachers should keep an open mind, maintain a positive attitude, and be prepared to listen actively and respond thoughtfully to parental concerns.

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The Importance of Parent-Teacher Meetings at School

At Podar International School, we firmly believe in the power of collaboration between parents and teachers to ensure our students' holistic development and academic success. Parent-teacher meetings (PTMs) are pivotal in fostering open communication, building relationships, and creating a supportive educational environment. Let’s explore the significance of parent-teacher conferences, the benefits they offer, and how they contribute to the overall well-being of our students.

Understanding Parent-Teacher Meetings:

Definition and Purpose: Parent-Teacher Meetings, also known as Parent-Teacher Conferences, are sessions where parents and teachers discuss a student's academic progress, behaviour, and overall development. These meetings serve as a platform for collaborative discussions, goal-setting, and mutual understanding between parents and educators.

Frequency and Format: Schools typically organise regular PTMs throughout the academic year. Based on the school's policies, these meetings can be scheduled quarterly, bi-annually, or as needed.

Structured Conversations: PTMs may involve structured conversations about a student's academic performance, strengths, areas for improvement, and social-emotional well-being.

The Importance of Parent-Teacher Meetings:

Communication and Collaboration: PTMs create a conducive environment for open and transparent communication between parents and teachers. This dialogue is essential for understanding each student's unique needs and strengths.

Partnership in Education: By participating in PTMs, parents become active partners in their child's education. The collaborative effort between home and school is crucial for a student's success.

Tailored Support: PTMs allow for the discussion of individualised strategies for a student's academic and personal growth. Teachers can offer insights into specific learning styles and address any student's challenges.

Goal Setting: Setting academic and behavioural goals for students is a collaborative effort during PTMs. Parents and teachers work together to establish realistic and achievable objectives, ensuring a unified student development approach.

Beyond Academics: While academic progress is crucial, PTMs also address the student's holistic development. Discussions can encompass social skills, emotional well-being, and extracurricular involvement.

Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses: Teachers can provide valuable insights into students' strengths and areas requiring additional attention. This comprehensive understanding is instrumental in crafting a well-rounded educational experience.

Early Intervention and Support: PTMs facilitate the early identification of academic or behavioural issues. Early intervention allows for timely support systems to be put in place, preventing potential challenges from escalating.

Resource Allocation: Teachers can collaborate with parents to determine if additional resources, such as tutoring or specialised interventions, are required. This proactive approach ensures that students receive the necessary support.

Empowering Parents: PTMs empower parents by providing them with insights into their child's educational journey. This understanding enables parents to actively support their child's learning at home.

Building Trust and Confidence: Regular PTMs contribute to the establishment of trust and confidence between parents and teachers. This trust is foundational for effective collaboration and a positive school environment.

Enhancing School Community: PTMs contribute to the sense of community within the school. Building connections between parents, teachers, and school administrators fosters a supportive network that benefits the entire school community.

Shared Values and Goals: Parents and teachers align their values and goals by engaging in discussions about the student's progress and development, creating a unified educational front.

Strategies for Effective Parent-Teacher Meetings:

Preparation :

Review Student Progress: Teachers should review the academic and behavioural progress of each student before the meeting. This preparation ensures that discussions are focused and meaningful.

Parent Input: Encourage parents to share any concerns or observations before the meeting. This input provides valuable context for the discussion.

Goal Setting:

Collaborative Goal Setting: Establish academic and behavioural goals collaboratively. Ensure that goals are specific, measurable, and achievable within a defined timeframe.

Action Plans: Develop action plans outlining the steps parents and teachers will take to support the student in achieving the set goals.

Feedback and Appreciation:

Acknowledge Achievements: Take the time to acknowledge and celebrate the student's big and small achievements. Positive reinforcement contributes to a supportive and motivating atmosphere.

Constructive Feedback: Provide constructive feedback on areas for improvement. Frame feedback in a positive and solution-oriented manner to encourage growth.

Two-Way Communication:

Active Listening: Both parents and teachers should actively listen to each other's perspectives. This two-way communication fosters mutual understanding and collaboration.

Clarify Expectations: Ensure that both parties have a clear understanding of expectations and responsibilities. This clarity minimises misunderstandings and promotes a shared vision for the student's success.

Action Items: Clearly outline action items and follow-up steps agreed upon during the meeting. This ensures accountability and ongoing support for the student.

Regular Updates: Schedule follow-up communications or subsequent meetings to assess progress and make necessary adjustments to the support plan.

These meetings go beyond traditional assessments, emphasising collaboration, communication, and a shared commitment to the well-being and success of each child. As we continue to prioritise engaging, educational, and innovative practices, parent-teacher meetings are a cornerstone in building a strong academic foundation for our students. Through these collaborative efforts, we nurture an environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Importance Of Parent Teacher Meetings at School

January 20, 2023

Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTM) are a routine part of the school’s yearly calendar and play a huge role in shaping a child’s educational journey and future academic success. Parents know their children’s habits, difficulties and skills like no other. Teachers act as children’s second parents and observe them for hours every day in the classroom. When teachers and parents develop a strong bridge to help the child excel, it can create wonders. A parent-teacher meeting is a perfect way to discuss the child’s progress, the best ways to help the child, and exchange insights and thoughts about the child’s developmental milestones and academic progress. Here is a list of five reasons that explain these parent-teacher meeting importance:

• They bring children closer to their parents. With parents and teachers regularly collaborating in the educational development of their children, it provides an assurance to young minds that they have access to reliable support. These meetings help children to understand how deeply their parents care about them and are committed to their well-being. In addition, if parents and their children are going through a rough patch at home, teachers may discuss the problem in a non-judgmental manner and bring them closer through counselling and guidance. At MIT Gurukul, one of the best international schools in India , we believe in strengthening the bond between parents and their little ones at all stages and hold parent-teacher meetings every three months.
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• Such meetings help control difficult situations.

• A child’s talents and areas of strength can be explored through meetings.

A wise educator tries to find students’ strong points and discuss the same with their parents during parent-teacher meetings. For example, if a student is found to have a great knack for dancing, a teacher may ask the parents to enroll them in a dance class to explore this talent. If a child is an adept Maths problem solver, a PTM allows the teacher to suggest how they can participate in Maths competitions and sharpen their skills. Many schools providing pre-primary education in India , such as MIT Gurukul, aim to enhance student’s talents and special skills right from their childhood and ensure to include such discussions with parents during the meetings.

• These are known to lead to better academic performance.

When teachers communicate with parents and get to know each student better, they can make well-informed choices about what and how to teach the student. Teachers can receive information regarding the learning pattern, academic difficulties and room for improvement. This certainly boosts the academic interest of students. It leads to better grades and a deeper knowledge of the subjects they study. Similarly, parents can pick up teaching techniques that work well for their child in the classroom and duplicate them at home to reinforce the child’s learning.

• Meetings between teachers and parents facilitate the students to excel.

Parent-teacher meetings encourage students to work on themselves, improve their academic performance and widen their skills. They get a sense that their teachers and parents are observing them closely and rooting for their best performance, academically and in extracurricular pursuits. When parents and teachers appreciate them, discuss their performance, try to solve their difficulties, and give them special attention, they are more likely to progress by leaps and bounds.

From the above, we can conclude that the importance of parent-teacher meetings is something that all educators and parents must keep in mind. At MIT Gurukul, one of the top residential schools in Pune with a rigorous International Baccalaureate program , parents are encouraged to participate in our PTM meetings actively. This helps our teachers and parents to know one another better and work for the benefit of the students. We urge and encourage all parents to attend the PTM schedules regularly. To check the PTM schedules, please look up the child’s almanac or visit our website https://www.mitgurukul.com

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Parent-Teacher Conferences and Their Forms Essay (Critical Writing)

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Parent-teacher conferences

A great example of a successful parent-teacher conference, conferencing form.

Parent-teacher conferences became an important part of the educational process. It is nice when a parent wants to take part in a parent-teacher conference and participate actively in the school life of his/her child. The most appropriate variant is when both parents can be present at the parent-teacher conference even if they are divorced. In this respect, the parent-teacher conference experience greatly influences all parties concerned, including children, parents, and teachers. I believe that a child or a parent that has some positive or negative experience of parent-teacher conferences can apply this experience in the future when holding those conferences as a teacher.

To sum up, the main role of the parent is to participate in a child’s school life and ask questions about a child’s progress at school. The main characteristics of a teacher include being polite and tactful during parent-teacher conferences give suggestions on the problem instead of diagnosing, use time of the conference properly to address all problems, and answer all questions. Besides, a child should not be present at the conference if a teacher wants to give his/her parents some suggestions or talk about some concerns.

So, all conferences should be held in private. Though a teacher should present the information in a positive way, he/she should certainly inform parents about some problems that a child may face so that they could work on their solution as well.

The picture is a great example of a successful parent-teacher conference as all factors presented in it can greatly contribute to the mutual understanding and further cooperation of parents and a teacher. As the first impression is the lasting one, a teacher can start with some information about a child’s progress because it is always possible and necessary to search for something positive in a child’s behavior and progress.

Both parents are depicted, which seems to me great because regardless of the family status, both parents should take an active part in a child’s school life. Besides, they all have an equal right to affect their child’s progress and help in solving the problems related to poor writing or the development of other skills. It is also important to smile if you have something good to say because your mood influences the perception of the information you provide parents with.

As it is shown in the picture, the conference should take place in private so that nothing and nobody could distract participants of the conference from their discussion. A teacher should have a child’s paper to show it to parents and discuss it; some examples of a child’s works would be useful as well. Moreover, a teacher can have some notes to peep in a while discussing the key points.

An integral part of the parent-teacher conferences is the conferencing form. As every child is unique, he/she should be approached with a certain method, and a teacher should choose an appropriate approach to address a child’s needs. In this case, a complex approach is the universal one that can be used as a conferencing form.

The first thing that I like about a conference letter as a form of conferencing used for teacher-parent conferences is that it enables me to get all parents involved, and they all can participate, in a way, in the conferences. The thing I do not really like about this conference letter is that I have to shape my ideas perfectly so that I could persuade parents of the necessity of taking some measures concerning their child’s progress or inform them about some problems that a child may face at school.

The tone of the conference letter should be neutral but soothing enough to bring my ideas to parents even if their schedule is not fixed, and they are not able to visit conferences personally. The same concerns the portfolio overview sheet that have its advantages (enables a teacher to touch upon every aspect of a child’s educational progress) and disadvantages 9it takes a lot of time to create my own record of every child’s progress).

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IvyPanda. (2020, December 29). Parent-Teacher Conferences and Their Forms. https://ivypanda.com/essays/parent-teacher-conferences-and-their-forms/

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IvyPanda . (2020) 'Parent-Teacher Conferences and Their Forms'. 29 December.

IvyPanda . 2020. "Parent-Teacher Conferences and Their Forms." December 29, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/parent-teacher-conferences-and-their-forms/.

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• Best Practices , For Teachers , Parent Engagement , Product

Why Are Parent Teacher Conferences Important? 5 Reasons To Consider

Parent-teacher conferences are a vital component of a child’s education, especially at the elementary level. These conferences provide an opportunity for parents and guardians to connect with the teacher and discuss the child’s academic progress, social development, and overall performance in school.

Many schools are turning toward student-led conferences, where the student shares their portfolio of work and discusses progress with family members. These types of conferences can…

• Provide powerful opportunities for students to advocate for their own learning
• Allow students to demonstrate responsibility for their academic performance
• Encourage students to think critically about their own abilities and achievements
• Help students develop skills they’ll use long after they’ve finished school

Whether these meetings involve student participation or not, data has shown that parent and guardian involvement in a child’s education can lead to better academic outcomes, improved attendance, and higher graduation rates.

Here are five reasons why parent-teacher conferences are essential:

1. Understanding the child’s strengths and weaknesses

Parent-teacher conferences allow parents and guardians to get a better understanding of their child’s strengths and weaknesses. Teachers can provide insight into the child’s academic abilities, areas of improvement, and overall progress in the classroom. This information can help families better support their child’s learning at home.

2. Building a positive relationship between families and teachers

Parent-teacher conferences can help build a positive relationship between families and teachers. When they work together, parents/guardians and teachers can create a supportive learning environment that benefits the child’s academic and social development.

3. Encouraging parent involvement

Parent-teacher conferences can encourage parent/guardian involvement in their child’s education. By attending conferences, they demonstrate their commitment to their child’s education, and teachers can provide suggestions for how families can be more involved in their child’s learning at home.

4. Addressing concerns and issues

Parent-teacher conferences provide an opportunity for parents/guardians and teachers to discuss any concerns or issues regarding the child’s academic or social performance in school. This open dialogue can help identify any issues early on and address them before they become more significant problems.

5. Developing a plan for academic success

Parent-teacher conferences provide an opportunity for parents/guardians and teachers to develop a plan for the child’s academic success. Teachers can provide guidance on how families can support their child’s learning at home, and parents/guardians can ask questions and provide feedback on how their child is progressing in school.

Parent-teacher conferences are an essential component of a child’s education. They provide an opportunity for parents/guardians and teachers to discuss the child’s academic progress, social development, and overall performance in school. By attending conferences, parents and guardians can better support their child’s learning at home, and teachers can provide guidance and support for academic success. Ultimately, parent-teacher conferences can help create a supportive learning environment that benefits the child’s academic and social development.

Admire and Acquire

Need some help getting started with communications on your parent-teacher conferences? We’ve pulled together a few ideas for you! Feel free to copy, paste and personalize.

Dear Families of Room 5,

It is time for spring conferences, please view the sign-up list and find a convenient time for us to meet. Your kids have been working hard and I am excited to share more about your student.

I know your time is valuable, here are a few things to make the most of our time together:

• I would love your scholar to come with you to the conference. Your 4th grader will lead part of the time
• Feel free to any questions about classroom programs or your child’s progress
• Discuss how we can work together to support learning
• Please be punctual

I have listed some times where I will be providing Spanish translation, please only use those time slots if you need a translator.

Thank you and I look forward to seeing everyone at conferences!

Mr. Abernathy

Good Morning,

We will be having parent-teacher conferences November 12 – November 17 (in-person format). As a reminder, we will conduct one conference per child. Please view the sign up list and find a convenient time for us to meet.

I look forward to meeting with you in November to celebrate your child! Thank You!

Miss Hoover

Happy Wednesday!

We are excited to connect with you in March for Spring Conferences. Conferences will be conducted in an in-person format. Please see below for important information about the scheduling, structure, and reporting.

Principal Smith

Scheduling: ParentSquare

Scheduling for our Spring Conferences will be available online between February 13 – February 22 via ParentSquare. During this time you will have the opportunity to access our scheduling calendars and pick an available time that best fits your schedule.

Our conferences are student-involved, so please make sure to pick a time that will allow for your child to participate as well.

*Please watch for an email from your child’s teacher on the morning of February 13 that will include directions to sign up for conferences.

ParentSquare is here to help you in all of your student success initiatives. Learn more about these features and many more by booking a demo today!

• Posted Thu, May 4, 2023

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The learning network | how important are parent-teacher conferences.

How Important Are Parent-Teacher Conferences?

Questions about issues in the news for students 13 and older.

• See all Student Opinion »

A recent Room for Debate feature presented a variety of views on the value of parent-teacher conferences.

What is your opinion of these conferences? Do your parents attend them?

The introduction to “Rethinking Parent-Teacher Conferences” asks: “If there is something crucial to discuss, you might wonder: Shouldn’t the parents and teachers have been communicating about this already? If there is nothing crucial to discuss, is it a waste of everyone’s time?”

One of the eight panelists, Luis Jose Vilson, who teaches math at a New York City middle school, responded:

For teachers, when a parent comes in on a set date planned well in advance, it means both parents and teachers get a chance to sit down for five to 10 minutes – often more than enough – to solidify their partnership. Critics call it a waste of time, of course. They argue that only the “good” students’ parents participate, and so there’s not much to discuss. They are of the opinion that only parents of “bad” kids should be invited. But we shouldn’t look at these meetings as a way to reform our children. They simply provide the face-to-face element of a longer conversation, which starts with a letter to every child’s home, works its way through progress reports and the occasional phone call with parents, and ends with a report card. One of my more dramatic parent-teacher meetings happened a few years ago when a mother with a notorious reputation came into the building. A few people heard she liked to intimidate every principal and teacher entrusted with her child’s care. That night she had already upset two teachers and infuriated an administrator. When she walked into my classroom, she remembered who I was from the few phone calls we’d had throughout the year and said: “Oh. Let’s talk now.” From there, we had a productive conversation about her child’s pros and cons in a professional manner. When she walked out, one of my colleagues asked me how I did it. I said: “I’d already spoken to her. As long as I’m doing my job and checking in with her on the phone, meeting her face-to-face seems easy.” I then popped my well-ironed collar and awaited the next parent.

Students: Read the entire feature, then tell us …

• Which panelist’s views are closest to your own? Why?
• Mr. Vilson points out that he had a productive meeting with the “notorious” parent because they had already spoken a few times. What do you think are other factors for a successful interaction between parents and teachers? Why?
• At your school, are parent-teacher conferences offered? If so, are they well-attended?
• What do you think of the panelist Kristin Ehrgood’s idea that parent-teacher conferences are “just part of an equation” that should also include teachers making visits to their students’ homes?

Students 13 and older are invited to comment below. Please use only your first name . For privacy policy reasons, we will not publish student comments

Comments are no longer being accepted.

My school offers parent teacher conference and they are very well attended. Parent teacher confrenece is very helpful to the students and also the parents. The Parents get to meet the teachers and learn about their childs behavior.

Parent-teacher conferences are offered at my school. They are well attended by many concerned parents who would like to know how their child is doing in school.

I think Parent-Teacher confrences are very important because its a good way for parnts to meet and communicate with the childs teacher. Besides, if your child is not doing so well in school maybe the parent and the teacher combined can fix it. It is always important for the parent to know there childs academic standing.

My school has parent teacher conferences and parents do come out to meet their child’s teachers and talk about grades. I feel that this is enough to help the academic learning process to be successful. Teachers coming to the homes of their students is unnecessary and inapropriate.

Parent teacher conference are well attended at my school from both parents and teachers. Parent teachr is very usefu just to really to see how your doing and what you can improve on, its very good for seniors being its our last year you can see what and how you doing.

I think parent teacher conferences are very important. Students often care more if they know their parents will find out about their grades. Also if a student is simply having trouble in class parent teacher conference creates an opportunity to find a solution and a way to help the student succeed.

yes because studentd neeed an extra check up in school and parent teacher confreense can scare them into doing work and getting better

I do not think that parent teacher conference is important. The only reason parent teacher conference should be important is for students that are failing. If a student is failing then it is important and even needed for parents to speak to their student’s teachers.

Well I’m what they call the “Good” student but my parents don’t show up to parents meetings. They say whats the point you do what you need do and you don’t show out and all your teachers love you. So the don’t go.c

Parent-Teacher Conferences are important because it lets the parents know how their child is doing from their teacher, such as grades and behavior.

In my opinion, parent teachers conference is only important if needed. If a student is misbehaving or having trouble with a certain subject or course, than a parent teachers conference is needed.

i feel that parent teacher conferences are important. I say they are important beacuse parents need to know about there kids grades and behavior in the classroom and their grades.

I think that parent teacher conferences are important when involving guardian/parent(s) education.

Parent-teacher conferences are very important, when needed. If the teacher feels that a parent needs to be contacted then it must be because of something serious. However, I think that a parent should be able to be contacted over the phone since not all parents have the means of transportation to get to the teacher.

At my school we have heavy particapation from both parents and students.As a student who has been on both ends of the totem poll,I feel parent teacher confereces benfit everyone.A student with straight A’s obviously is doing something right ,but sometimes aren’t given the recognition that will motivate them to achiever further success.The student with the not so good grades needs to be shown the faith in their ability and potenial,which they,at the moment,are not reaching.

I think parent teacher conferences can be helpful to everyone the teacher the student and the parents because when the parents go in to talk to the teacher the teacher will tell the parents about how the student has been acting in class and if they have been having trouble with any work they are doing in class. Parent teacher conferences can also not be useful because if the student behaves in class and does their homework and doesn’t have trouble doing any of their homework then their parents don’t have to go in to see their teacher. The teacher could schedule a teacher conference with all the students parents not to talk to them about their child but to get to know all their parents and find out what they have in common with their children.

In my case my family has never attended a parent teachers conference. I don’t personally see them as being very important ,but some teachers think they need a good relationship with a parent in order to connect to the child. The conferences that are offered are not very well attended. The people who attend are usually having trouble in a specific subject.

I think it is important to have them I think that it helps the teacher see the environment that the kid has grown up in and it helps the parent see what there son/daughter is struggling with so that they can help them.I also think it is important because the parent knows what their son/daughter is learning about so they can help them.Over all I think it is important.My mom went to my parent teacher conferance and she said she learned about how i was doing in school and she said she was glad to go I kind of wanted her to come though but like I said it is a good thing to do and it is important.It helps my mom learn about what i do wrong and what i do right.She learned about how my education get better and stronger and learned what kind of teachers i have also.I do think its good and important for our education.

I would say that a Parent-Teacher conferences is good, it gives what the student needs to work on, and what him/her is failing or improving in. It would be nice to have a little less PT conferences, but it’s also nice to the parent and the teacher to talk about the student a little bit. It also gives a chance to the new teachers that have joined recently to talk to the parents, I think the Parent-Teacher conferences is necessary.

I think parent teacher conferences can be very informative to the parents, so they know where their kids are having trouble. This helps organize helpful time to the children’s grades. But at the same time,the parents don’t have to ask about the grades necessarily, because we have an online grading system the parents can go on to see the students grades. If the parents go, it shows the kids that they care, and want to know the people who teach there children.

My school has parent teacher conferences but not a whole of people show up, but i think they should because it helps the parents understand what the children are doing in class and it helps the teacher better understand the kids parent and if they are helping their child or not. It also helps the kid to understand what he or she is doing wrong and what they need to do to get their grades up.

Our school has parent teacher conferences. They are not well attended some parents like mine don’t care enough to so how I act in the classroom. Just about every school has that one parent that screams for no reason at teachers and makes them feel bad or accuses them of lying. There is parent teacher meetings are offered here but some people don’t attend them. I don’t think that teachers should be showing up at my house if I’m not related to them in anyway.

Parent teacher conferences are not as important as they were back in the day. With technology your parents can contact your teachers through email, calls, or texts. Also with online grades your parents know always how well you are in your classes all the time rather than just at the end every quarter to midterm when you take your grades home. One of my teachers has told me that he gets very few visits during parent teacher conferences. Parents now a days check their kids online grades every week and if they are struggling in a class then they will set up a meeting between the principle, the teacher of the class, and the parent themselves. With the new technology and the opportunities to schedule a meeting whenever the number of parents gong to conferences has decreased and will continue to decrease with the advancement of technology.

Yes i think that they are very important because it is a good way for your parents to meet your teachers. It’s also a good way for your parents to see your grades and to see if you have been doing good in class. It’s a very good thing that your parents come to see your teachers because if three child see’s them not going then when they get older they might not go to there child’s school to talk the there teacher to see how there doing in school.

Yes, at our school they are attended but most people don’t go. I personally don’t think that they should have them unless they are needed. Like if they are being bad then they should have them. But if they are being good then no. If i had a kid I would probably go to show that I care and so I know how they are in school.

What's Next

• Our Mission

Teacher-Parent Communication Strategies to Start the Year Off Right

By prioritizing communication with families at the start of the school year, educators can foster strong parent engagement, break down barriers, and provide support for all students. 

It’s no secret that when schools make a concerted effort to foster healthy, strong relationships with families, students benefit in a number of ways.

Studies suggest that parental involvement can lead to academic gains for students: higher grades and test scores, improved social skills and time on task , better attendance and participation, and decreased behavioral problems in the classroom.

But parent-teacher communication can be challenging, say teachers. In 2006, 50 percent of participants in a survey of more than 1,000 K–12 public school teachers rated parental involvement in their children’s education as inadequate; 48 percent reported parental understanding of the curriculum similarly. And a 2016 study revealed that some of the largest barriers to productive parent-teacher communication were trouble getting to the school site, conflicting work schedules, lack of translation services, and consistent requests for donations or fundraising that seem prioritized over all else.

Though parent-teacher communication will always require a mutual effort on both sides, educators shared their best practices—from home visits to in-school parent workshops—for building strong bonds with families, from the first day of school to the last.

Getting Off to a Good Start

Establishing strong relationships and clear lines of communication at the beginning of the year sets a strong foundation for parent-teacher interactions, according to teachers.

Opening reliable channels of communication: Not all parents communicate the same way. To determine a family’s contact preferences, simply ask them directly, says Erin Healey, an English teacher in Rhode Island. Create a beginning-of-the-year Google Form, use an introductory phone call or email, or discuss the topic at back-to-school night. This is also a great time to learn what languages are spoken at home.

A personalized touch: When in-person parent meetings weren’t possible due to the pandemic, middle and high school teacher Lauren Huddleston found that embedding short, introductory videos in emails was an effective alternative. The video format allowed Huddleston to virtually “share my personality and warmth with parents” at the start of the year, while also outlining the syllabus and explaining classroom expectations.

Your child, in a million words or less: Eighth-grade English teacher Cathleen Beachboard mails out a “Million Words or Less” survey asking caregivers to tell her everything she should know about their child, with a tongue-in-cheek word limit as the only restriction. Huddleston, meanwhile, distributes a survey to caregivers that is meant to capture their child’s attitude toward the subject matter, their motivations, and how they might be feeling about the new school year.

Connecting outside the school walls: To kick off the year, preschool teachers from Educare New Orleans visit the homes of each family. During the visit, parents are asked about their strengths as a family and any goals they have for their child. Educators then help outline what can be done within their classroom to help the child meet and exceed those goals, as well as what families can do at home to help support their child’s learning. They have a follow-up visit near the end of the school year.

Establish Back-and-Forth Communication

Two-way communication where parents can listen and receive information, as well as speak and be heard, ensures a healthy exchange of ideas that welcomes parents as partners in their child’s education, says Beachboard.

Beyond bad news: Consider sharing regular information about how students are progressing and engaging with lessons at school. This is especially important for families that are newer to the country, as “teacher-home communication may be new and is likely to be reserved for bad news only,” explains Louise El Yaafouri, an independent consultant in refugee and immigrant newcomer education.

Get active on social media: Healey recommends creating a classroom Instagram page or Twitter account to post photos and videos of student work, or emailing out a monthly or quarterly blog celebrating student successes and previewing upcoming curricular content for parents. This keeps families in the loop about what their child will be learning next and maintains positive communication with parents, she says.

Real-time tech tools: Platforms like Seesaw or ClassDojo allow kids to share their learning with their parents directly through the app and make real-time updates easier. “If you’re in class and you’re able to take a video of one of your scholars saying, ‘Hi Mom! I’m learning about how to add numbers—10 and 5 makes 15. I’m going to practice tonight when I come home,’ and then the [parent] gets to see, that’s powerful,” says Paul Bannister, a New York–based kindergarten teacher.

Give parents a nudge: Simple text reminders—sometimes called “nudges”—can help parents help their children stay on track. A Columbia University study, for example, found that sending weekly text updates to middle and high school parents about their children’s grades, absences, and missed assignments led to an 18 percent increase in student attendance and a 39 percent drop in course failures. Beachboard says she personally utilizes the Remind app to keep families abreast of assignment due dates and bolster back-and-forth communication.

Bring the Parent Into the Classroom

Research shows that the more deeply a parent is involved in their child’s learning, the larger the impact on the child’s achievement and performance in school.

Show off your families’ strengths: Give parents a chance to highlight their talents, experiences, and skills to get them more engaged in the classroom, says education consultant and retired teacher Terri Eichholz. Eichholz created a Google Form where families could mention any skills that they might want to share with the class—which led to her finding a parent who was a drone operator. “[He] zoomed with my students (back before Zoom was a thing!), and we built an entire field trip around his expertise,” she says.

Provide pathways for entry: At Educare New Orleans, teachers maintain a monthly calendar marked with days on which caregivers are invited to engage with their child inside the classroom. For parents who can’t attend, there’s a take-home activity that provides a similar experience.

Empower students to explain their best work: At Design 39 Campus in Poway, California, parents attend in-school workshops . During the first half hour, students are in the driver’s seat, taking charge and explaining their work to their parents. The second half hour is reserved for parent-teacher communication—including a question-and-answer period—while students attend an elective, gym, or their lunch period.

Making your curriculum transparent: High school history and journalism teacher David Cutler posts two weeks’ worth of lessons and assignments online . The practice provides transparency to families about what their children will be learning—and when— while also allowing him to carve out time to meet with students and parents as they prepare for more challenging assignments.

Reaching Every Parent Where They Are

Historically underserved families are often judged before parent-teacher communication even begins, says Angie Shorty-Belisle, school director of Educare New Orleans.

“The biggest mistake is to think, OK, we’re at a school where we’re servicing [underserved] families; they’re going to be difficult parents,” explains Shorty-Belisle. “Every parent is their child’s first advocate.... No family comes in wanting to be a burden or difficult to the school.”

Close the communication gap: A third of the parents polled in a recent New York Immigration Coalition survey reported not receiving information from their child’s school in the language they speak at home. As schools become increasingly linguistically diverse , teachers can turn to any number of tech tools, like Google Translate, ClassDojo , or the Remind  app to translate communications and reduce language barriers.

Redefine the perception of participation: Work schedules and transportation can be just as significant of a barrier to parent engagement as language, say teachers. “We often think of parent engagement as PTA, coaching the softball team, or chaperoning the middle school dance,” says El Yaafouri, who recommends redefining family participation so that it’s more inclusive. “Sometimes, engagement is ensuring that a child has a quiet place to study at home, or making the right calls to get ahold of school supplies, or sharing wisdom that is unique to one’s lived experiences.”

A more inclusive calendar: One way to show families of diverse learners that they are an important part of the community is by creating an inclusive school calendar at the beginning of the year, says El Yaafouri. Find out what holidays families celebrate—don’t make assumptions—and be cognizant of not scheduling school events on days that might conflict, while creating opportunities throughout the year so that all students and families feel represented and valued .  

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Mastering the Parent-Teacher Meeting: Eight Powerful Tips

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By Nancy Barile, Award-Winning Teacher, M.A.Ed.

The unknown is scary, and of all the moments of anticipation and anxiety that occur in an educator's life, there's one that reigns supreme: the parent-teacher meeting. Will my students' parents put the blame on me for poor grades? Will they question my instructional methods? Will anyone even show up?

In the 22 years I've been teaching, I've seen just about everything. I've had a parent ask me why I teach Macbeth when everyone knows Shakespeare is boring and antiquated. I've had to explain to a parent that her child was on her phone way too much in class while the parent obsessively texted on her own phone during our entire conversation. I've had parents tell me I shouldn't care about plagiarism—I should just be happy their child found the information at all.

Despite these occasional moments of friction, teachers should do their utmost to see parents as essential partners in their students' education. After all, have you ever met any parents who didn't want their child to succeed? Parents can be valuable allies in helping students achieve their best, and meetings are a great way to forge those bonds. Here are eight tips to help you conduct masterful, action-oriented parent-teacher meetings.

Be Proactive

Don't forget to factor in some students' ninja-like ability to ensure their parents don't know conference times and dates; the same student who may have trouble on his math exams may be secretly adept at hacking into his dad's smartphone and deleting a voicemail. Repeated communication is occasionally necessary.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to even get parents into the building: work runs late, coordinating childcare is a headache, and language barriers may hinder communication. You can overcome some of these obstacles by finding culturally appropriate ways to welcome families and encourage them to become active participants in your classroom. Send invitations in a parent's native language, or have translators on hand. At my school, designated students handle basic translation of nonconfidential conversations, while school translators handle more delicate issues. If childcare is a problem, let parents know they can bring young ones to the meeting.

Be Welcoming

Set the right tone for your parent-teacher meeting by shaking hands, stating your name and the subject you teach, and mentioning how happy you are to be teaching their child. Smile warmly, and offer them a seat. If you're looking for an easy way to break the ice, share a positive anecdote about their child. For example, "Did Jeremiah tell you he was the first one to solve the difficult math problem yesterday?"

Explain Objectives and Expectations

I like to give parents an overview of the goals for my classes and a copy of our reading list. I discuss the expectations I have for my students and explain any language that a parent might not be familiar with: rubric, scaffolding, readiness, testing acronyms, etc. In addition, I provide parents with a copy of my classroom policies to review and sign, which helps avoid any confusion in the future.

Be Prepared

Parents want to see that the teacher knows their child and has a plan for their success. Review your students' grades and portfolios before the conferences. Jot down notes about each student, anticipate questions or parental concerns, and reread any prior parent communication so you don't miss a beat.

Create an Action Plan

Parents don't want a laundry list of concerns dumped in their laps—they want to know how you're going to fix the problem. Create an action plan that clearly lays out the specific steps that the teacher, the parent, and the student will need to take in order for the student to be successful. For instance, if Gabriela doesn't complete essays because she has a difficult time writing introductions, her written action plan should include an agreement that she'll notify you when she needs help, that you'll meet with her to provide assistance, and that her parents will make sure that she spends time at home crafting her essay.

Use the Good-Bad-Good Sandwich

When it comes to discussing tough topics with a parent, this trick is the silver bullet. Start by highlighting something positive—"Gerald's writing shows an insight I don't often see in students his age"—then move on to the issue: "The problem is that Gerald is often off-task, and I've caught him on his phone several times. When he's not paying attention, he misses valuable class content." Discuss your action plan for correcting the behavior, and finish up with another positive statement: "With Gerald's strong writing ability and his improved attention in class, I know he'll have a successful year." The good-bad-good sandwich is practically foolproof.

Don't Tolerate Abuse

I've had parents threaten to call the superintendent, the mayor, the pope (OK, maybe not the pope, but you get the idea). If a parent becomes abusive, simply end the meeting; explain how they can take up the matter with the principal. There's no reason you have to let a parent bully or intimidate you.

Keep Lines of Communication Open

Explain to parents how they can get in touch with you after the meeting, and ask the best way to reach them. Encourage them to ask questions, provide updates, and express concerns as they see fit.

Bumps in the road happen, but 98 percent of my parent-teacher meetings over the years have been meaningful and effective. Some of my students' parents have even become strong advocates for my classroom. And many have truly gone the extra mile for teachers.

For instance, for three years while her child was in my class, one parent made sure to bring me a home-cooked Italian dinner before every single parent-teacher conference. By graduation, I felt like I needed to give that parent my Social Security number so she could put me down as a dependent on her income tax—boy, I sure miss all that pasta e fagioli and lasagna.

Parents and teachers are on the same team when it comes to helping students achieve. Following these steps can help you create partnerships with parents and ensure that all your students are equipped to succeed.

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8 Reasons Why Parent Teacher Meetings Are Important

While there are many reasons why parent teacher meetings are important, the fundamental reason is that parents and teachers together play a vital role in the growth and development of a child, including and especially the learning abilities in the child.

In this article:

• Empowering the teacher
• Exchanging observations & progress of the child
• Discuss assessments & activities
• Know the child’s likes & preferences
• Set & meet expectations
• Keep abreast of updates & announcements
• Build relationships
• Address other concerns if any

Why Parent-Teacher Meetings Are Important?

Parents have to play a key role in terms of balancing and maintaining effective communication with the child at home and the child’s teachers in the school, which is where parent-teacher meetings becomes a vital conduit for exchange of information.

1. Empowering The Teacher

Ideally, teachers need to interact with parents before the start of the academic year and gather basic information regarding the child.

Since parents have been making observations of their child since the day they were born, they can help teachers by sharing their observations and empower them to support and guide their child during the learning hours.

2. Exchanging Observations & Progress of the Child

As part of their duty, teachers (or educators) usually make observations, note and collect considerable amount of information about each new child and record their progress on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis.

The educator may also utilise the notes taken for formal assessment to customise the teaching approach for a particular child, and help enhance his or her proficiency in concepts and skills such as written, numerical, basic word recognition and spoken language.

3. Discuss Assessments & Activities

During a parent-teacher meeting, the teacher may discuss certain specific and overall results from the assessments done for a child, across various parameters, along with the work the child has done in his or her class work and/or class activities, be it in note books or charts.

The charts are usually prominently displayed on the walls in and around the classroom and/or the main notice board. Parents should ensure that they also discuss the level of participation and performance of their child across extra-curricular activities.

4. Know The Child’s Likes & Preferences

Parents have a reasonably good idea about their child’s interests, needs, likes, dislikes, preferences and routines, among others.

Sharing the same with the educators during meetings will not only help them be empathetic about the child’s needs and requirements, it also helps to make necessary modifications to their approach during teacher-child interactions.

Most of all, it helps the child better relate to his or her peers in the new environment and connect with the new environment.

5. Set & Meet Expectations

Over time, as the educator gets to know each child and his/her family better, the teacher can customise strategies for each of them.

Parents should seek for information, discuss, clarify and understand the expectations of what the child would achieve by the end of every quarter and how they can support and enable their child to realise the goals.

Periodic meetings with the teachers, and the administrators if need be, helps parents assess and quantify the overall progress of their child across various parameters of growth and development, and focus on areas that the child needs to improve.

When it comes to growth and development, one of the most crucial role parents need to play is with regard to the emotional development in their child during early childhood years.

6. Keep Abreast of Updates & Announcements

The early learning centre should ensure that announcements and updates are to be put up on the notice board on a regular basis.

It should also be pasted with photographs of children who played and/or participated in different activities and events. This way, each parent can get information and visual updates on their child’s academic and extra-curricular progress.

Talking about play, not only is it important that children play in school with their peers, it is also important that parents play with their child too .

7. Build Relationships

Overall, it is essential for the parents to build good relationships with not only the teachers and administrators in the early learning centre but also others if need be, like speech and language therapists, health care professionals.

Most of all, each parent should also connect and build relationships with other parents.

8. Address Other Concerns – If Any

The parents should also utilise each of the parent-teacher meeting, also called the parent teacher conference, to discuss about the child’s level of comfort with the early learning centre, like things that he/she was pleased with and/or concerned about.

This is a very important responsibility of parents, as communicating only about the things the child was pleased with, or only about the things the child concerned with will neither help the school nor the other children in school.

Teachers and parents should therefore discuss, openly, all concerns and/or gaps, so that appropriate solutions should be formulated together.

While it is a fact that parents do spend a lot of time with their children, it is an equally important fact that educators and administrators in early learning centres also spend a lot of time with children, in a formal setting, and in the absence of the adults of their family.

That’s why parent-teacher meetings are important and necessitates parents to look into the strategy and style that they have adopted for the growth and development of their children. Most of all, they will have to add, modify or delete a strategy on an ongoing basis, wherever necessary and whenever required.

Related Article: Role of a Teacher in Problem Solving Learning in Children

How to Prepare for Effective and Successful Parent Teacher Conferences

• Post author: Annette Durbin
• Post category: Classroom Culture / Coaching
• Post comments: 0 Comments

Are you ready to have a successful parent teacher conference? Do you look forward to these opportunities to connect with parents? Most teachers I talk to do not like conferences. They say conferences are extra prep work and there is not enough time to prepare. I also hear teachers say they struggle with what to share or how to communicate student struggles. Is this you? It certainly used to be me!!

Now, when I first started teaching, I was nervous about the conferences and only shared positive information.

However, as I learned over the next several years, I realized that parent teacher conferences were just a continuation of ongoing communications.

Parents want to know not only the positives, but growth areas and how they can help their child at home.

Now I enjoy sitting down with parents to discuss their child’s strengths, growth areas, and options to help at home.

I especially love to see the child attend their conference.

After all, it’s all about the student!! Parent teacher conferences are actually one of my favorite events.

This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.

In this blog post, I share strategies and tips for building a successful parent teacher relationship that result in effective conferences. I also focus on how to prepare for effective and successful parent teacher conferences with communication strategies and more to ensure you make the most of this essential engagement.

The Importance of Parent Teacher Conferences

Did you know maintaining open lines of communication between parents and teachers is paramount to a child’s academic progress and overall development? Did you know parent teacher conferences are also a vital aspect of a child’s educational journey?

My friends, this meeting offers a valuable opportunity for parents and teachers to collaborate in shaping a child’s academic and personal development. It’s that important!

Oftentimes, formal conferences are held at the end of a grading quarter when progress reports are shared.

It is important to know that effective and successful parent teacher conferences go beyond report cards.

These conferences provide a deeper understanding of a child’s progress, strengths, and areas for improvement.

This effectiveness is not achieved during two annual conferences, but throughout the year. Now you know!

Successful Parent Teacher Conferences Begin the First Month of School

Wait! What do you mean successful parent teacher conferences begin the first month of school? Yes, that’s right! How . . . you ask? Let’s discuss several relationship opportunities that are available during the first quarter.

From the moment you meet the parents or guardians, the relationship is building. Therefore, establishing a positive relationship is a key step for successful conferences throughout the year. Capitalizing on these opportunities will ensure you have successful parent teacher conferences all year.

Let me share some tips for a successful parent teacher conference by building a positive parent teacher relationship before school even starts.

Back-to-School Home Visits

Some schools will host a day before school starts where teachers visit their students’ home and community. I remember the first time I did this! I was a little nervous, since I didn’t know what to expect. However, I quickly realized this visit was a great experience for me! Later I found out, it was a positive experience for parents and students, too!

During the home visit, each teacher paired with a paraprofessional and visited families. Notice of these home visits were posted in advance, so families knew what to expect and when the teachers and staff would be stopping by their homes.

As we walked through the neighborhood, the kids were so much fun to see riding their bikes, playing outside, and coming over to welcome us to their home. They were just as excited about school starting as we were. Their excitement was certainly contagious!

My partner and I met with each family, shared information about the upcoming “Back-to-School” event, which often includes a small BBQ or ice cream social for families, and shared a “ Welcome Back-to-School ” goodie bag filled with spirit related items and community donated resources. While a few students were shy, most students smiled from ear to ear, excited to see us.

If you have never participated in a “Back-to-School” home visit, I encourage you to try it. This experience was a great opportunity to plant that first seed for a positive relationship with families and students.

Back-to-School Event

Many schools host a “Back-to-School” event for students to meet their teacher prior to the first day of school. Parents typically bring school supplies and help their child get set up in the classroom. Students can see their learning space and reunite with some longtime friends. These events are an important part of developing a positive parent teacher relationship and ease everyone’s (and yes, you, too) anxieties about starting a new school year.

Creating a fun “Welcome to School” bulletin board where students and families get to know you is a great way to develop a relationship. Once the school year gets started, a great getting to know you activity focuses on students sharing learning about each other. Transitioning the bulletin board or adding student content is a great way to build your classroom community. This also showcases student learning for the Open House coming later in the quarter.

Positive Parent Phone Calls

Once school gets started, it is important to touch base with each of your students’ parents or guardians. During the initial two weeks of school, teachers are doing a lot of assessments, getting to know each other activities , and starting to dig into grade level content. While you are working with students in the classroom, parents are wondering how their child is doing transitioning into a new school year.

These phone calls are a great opportunity to contact the parents and share some great news about their child and what is going on during their child’s school day.

These phone calls often take 10-15 minutes, but are well worth the extra effort to connect.

I suggest making about five phone calls per day until you’ve reached all your families.

Now that school has been in session a couple of weeks, oftentimes schools will host an Open House event. This is an evening when families are invited to come into school and visit their child’s classroom, learn more about important events at the school, ask questions, and view bulletin boards that are filled with student learning.

Additionally, the Open House can include student presentations, a PTA meeting, “A Day in Your Child’s Day at School”, community resources, and even a BBQ, cookies, or other treats. These events are well attended, especially when food is present.

Formal Parent Teacher Conferences

Alright, are you utilizing some of the relationship building tips shared above? Besides the numerous emails, phone calls, newsletters, school events, classroom events, run-ins at the store where you continue to nourish the parent teacher relationship and conversations about the student’s progress, now it’s time to start thinking about the first successful parent teacher conference.

In my district, parent teacher conferences are held twice a year, once in the fall (quarter 2) and again in the spring (quarter 3).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Always remember, if there is a need for additional in person or phone contacts, it is imperative to hold conferences or even “touching base phone calls” as often as needed. Parents do not like to “think” everything is going great, only to find out there are problems during a conference.

The First Formal In-Person Conference

I like to meet with each family for an in-person conference. During this conference, I schedule 20-30 minutes and have several items ready to share.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If the parents speak a different language, I have resources and an interpreter available in the parent’s first language.

Prior to this conference, I send home a “ Pre-Conference Questionnaire ” for parents or guardians to complete. This is an important piece to preparing for a successful parent teacher conference. I review the comments, questions, and concerns on this document and ensure I have resources and answers available to share with parents at the conference.

Alright, as I’m sure you are aware, parent teacher conferences serve as a crucial bridge of communication between the two most influential factors in a child’s education—their parents and their teacher.

These conferences allow parents to gain insight into their child’s academic progress, behavior, and social interactions in the school environment.

Remember, you’ve been building a relationship since day one. This strong partnership between parents and teachers allows the formal conferences to contribute to a more holistic understanding of a child’s needs and abilities.

The Second Formal In-Person Conference

The second conference is a student-led conference. The students have been learning, reflecting, and working to meet grade level standards throughout the year. They have been presenting learning to their peers, to school learning buddies, and even at family events held throughout the year. Therefore, with lots of presenting practice under their belt, they are ready to take charge of the second conference.

Throughout the year, my students have been working on a portfolio. Part of the portfolio is digital and the other part are actual documents. The students take time to organize their work, practice presenting, and are ready to share their learning at this student-led conference.

The parents are always proud of the presentation and how much their child has grown in academics and confidence throughout the year. To ensure conference success, I am always available for student support and parent questions. This event is truly an opportunity for the student to showcase his/her learning and SHINE!!

Strategies for Successful Parent Teacher Conferences

Successful parent teacher conferences that promote collaboration and ongoing relationships include preparation, engagement, communication. These are essential elements to building a collaborative relationship that will last throughout the school year, and oftentimes for years to follow.

Preparing for Parent-Teacher Conferences

Effective preparation is key to making parent teacher conferences productive and insightful.

Throughout the quarter or semester, students have been demonstrating learning.

It’s time to gather and review relevant student data, assessments, and observations to have a clear understanding of the student’s progress and areas for discussion.

Typically, students take home completed work assignments, assessments, projects, and newsletters throughout the quarter or semester. This information is an opportunity for teachers, parents, and students to monitor progress. Parents should review their child’s recent assignments, assessments, and reports to identify areas where they may have questions or concerns. If there is a concern at any time, parents should reach out to their child’s teacher. Likewise, it is important for teachers to communicate student progress connecting with parents via phone, email, tech apps, or in person conversations.

Additionally, it’s helpful for teachers and parents to jot down specific questions or topics you’d like to discuss during the conference to ensure nothing important is overlooked. Gather and review relevant student data, assessments, and observations to have a clear understanding of the student’s progress and areas for discussion.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Don’t forget to review the conference questionnaire form and other communication when preparing for a successful conference.

Setting Goals for Parent-Teacher Conferences

Using the “ Pre-Conference Questionnaire ” as a guide coupled with other collected data and work samples, parents and teachers establish clear goals for what you hope to achieve during the parent teacher conference. Parents’ comments on the questionnaire ensure they are part of the conversation to help their child and teacher overcome specific challenges.

Although some topics may be challenging to discuss, it is paramount for teachers to ensure parents know exactly how their child is doing, what is being done to help their child be successful, and discuss any behavioral concerns.

Therefore, planning strategies for improvement and goal setting to support the student are essential.

Since I provide time for the student to reflect upon his/her learning, strengths, and growth areas, I also use this document to engage the parents and student (if present) in goal setting. These goals are created together and reviewed throughout the year and/or at the second conference.

During the conference, it is important to share areas the student is doing well and areas the student needs additional support. Parents want to know how their child is doing and what they can do to help their child be successful. Teachers should be ready to share specific ways parents can help their child at home.

Creating an Inviting and Welcoming Conference Environment

When you create your conference space, it is best to set up a comfortable and inviting space to ensure both parents and teachers feel at ease to engage in open dialogue.

This space can be accomplished by having a few snacks and drinks available, class authored books and bulletin boards showcasing student work, and a simple play activity, math manipulatives, or quiet game for siblings to use during the conference.

Parents appreciate this extra effort and help them feel comfortable. Don’t forget to provide a few chairs for parents to wait comfortably while reviewing materials.

Remember to always post the conference schedule near your conference space door and include parent handouts with a calendar and/or upcoming school event information. This may be a good place to post your reminder message about using a timer to ensure conferences are timely noting that an additional conference can be scheduled, if additional time is needed.

Effective Communication Strategies During Conferences

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful parent teacher conferences. Since parents see their child in a different environment, it is important for you to listen attentively to the parent’s concerns. On the other hand, parents should listen attentively to teacher’s insights, ask clarifying questions, and express thoughts and concerns clearly and respectfully. Remember, open and honest dialogue is a two-way road and paves the way for fruitful collaboration.

Always begin the conference by discussing the student’s achievements and progress, highlighting their strengths and positive contributions to encourage a constructive conversation.

This positive focus allows for the growth areas to surface as a natural transition.

The conversation about needs can take place while establishing goals and resources to help the child at school and home.

Open communication, active listening, and a non-judgmental approach are essential for fostering a positive environment where concerns and ideas can be freely shared.

Maximizing Engagement with Parents During Conferences

Always remember engagement during parent-teacher conferences is a two-way street. Teachers should actively involve parents in the discussion, encourage their input, and seek their perspective on their child’s progress and development. This engagement fosters a sense of partnership and shared responsibility for the child’s success.

Oftentimes students are present at conferences. Encourage the student to share his/her perspectives, work assignments, and questions.

When sharing work samples, ask the student to share his/her learning.

Parents appreciate the opportunity to hear from their child and this conversation promotes additional learning conversations at home.

Addressing Sensitive Topics During Conferences

It’s important to approach sensitive topics with empathy and understanding. Both parents and teachers should focus on finding constructive solutions and ways to support the child rather than dwelling on the issue itself. Approach the conversation with an open mind, emphasizing the common goal of the child’s well-being and growth.

When conferences call for sensitive discussions and specific needs are addressed, invite additional school professionals to the conversation.

These educators could include the school’s principal, counselor, related service providers or special education teachers.

These conferences may require additional time; therefore, preschedule this time in advance, so the parents know to expect a longer conference.

Following Up After Parent Teacher Conferences

Alright my friend, now that the conferences are done, there are just a few more items to consider your successful parent teacher conferences are a grand slam!

1. Remember to take time to reflect on the discussion and act upon any action points that are identified. This may include additional conversations or resources to share.

2. Provide supplementary educational materials, reading suggestions, or online resources that can further support the child’s learning and development outside the classroom.

3. Implement agreed upon strategies and maintain communication with the parent and other teachers, as needed, to track progress.

4. Regular follow-ups ensure that the collaborative effort continues beyond the conference, benefiting the child.

5. Always maintain regular communication with parents to update them on their child’s progress and address any ongoing concerns.

6. Finally, sending a “ Thank You ” card to parents throughout the year for their work in the classroom, donating materials, or doing other actions to support education is a great opportunity to show appreciation and cultivate the relationship.

Resources and Tools for Successful Parent Teacher Conferences

WOW!! I hope you’ve been taking notes and are ready to implement the strategies and tips I’ve shared in this blog post. Check out the resources below for additional posts related to implementing successful parent teacher conferences and sustaining that positive family relationship you have been cultivating.

Engaging Family Activities to Accelerate Learning

Action Research on Student Motivation and Engagement Utilizing Retesting

How to Use Technology to Boost Learning and Accelerate Achievement

Final Thoughts: Successful Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent teacher conferences are a powerful tool in a child’s educational journey, providing a platform for collaboration, understanding, and growth. Using the tips and strategies for successful parent teacher conferences outlined in this post will certainly build positive and sustaining family relationships.

By recognizing the importance of conferences, how to preparing thoughtfully and early, and engaging in open and constructive communication, parents and teachers can work together to create a supportive environment conducive to the child’s success.

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Annette Durbin

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Parent-Teacher Conferences: Before, During, and After

Jabberwocky

A parent-teacher conference is a face-to-face meeting between one teacher and one or both parents (or guardians) of a student. It is an opportunity to discuss a student's academic progress and social behavior. Many schools schedule these in both the fall and spring.

If there's one part of the school year that strikes fear into the heart of any teacher—it's parent-teacher conference time. Teachers who have been around a while will be more than willing to share some memorable stories about strange parents and even stranger conversations with those parents. Nevertheless, parent-teacher conferences are a wonderful opportunity to extend lines of communication between home and school, keep parents informed about their children's progress—both academic and social—and for developing cooperative strategies that can ultimately benefit every student.

You may be nervous about the thought of parent-teacher conferences. However, here's something important to remember—most parents are just as nervous as you are. Your first and primary goal should be to help make them feel comfortable.

A friend of mine once said, “It's important to remember that children are ego extensions of their parents.” If you tell a mother that her son is failing three subjects, you are, in effect, telling the parent that she, too, is a failure. On the other hand, if you tell Mr. Velasquez that his daughter is the most outstanding science student in the school, Mr. Velasquez will be mentally patting himself on the back all evening long.

Productive and successful conferences take careful planning. You should think about three stages: before, during, and after.

Before the Conference

Send a personal letter to each parent to confirm the day, time, and place of the conference. Inform parents ahead of time about the purpose of the conference. Gather file folders or portfolios of each student's work. Be sure your schedule is coordinated with other teachers in the school. Many parents will have more than one child in school and need sufficient time with each teacher.

If necessary, make arrangements for an interpreter for non-English-speaking parents. Review notes on each student's behavior, academic progress, and interactions with peers. Establish no more than two or three concerns or issues. More than that will discourage most parents. Clarify ahead of time who, exactly, will be attending each conference. Is it the child's biological parents, a relative, a guardian, a grandparent, a foster parent, or who? Check and double-check names.

Invite parents to bring a list of questions, issues, or concerns. Have sample textbooks readily available. Establish a waiting area outside your classroom. For reasons of confidentiality, you only want to meet with one set of parents at a time.

Don't conduct a parent-teacher conference from behind your desk. A teacher's desk is sometimes referred to as “power furniture,” and it tends to inhibit conversation and makes many parents uncomfortable (perhaps a throwback to their days as a student). Instead, conduct your conferences at a table. Don't sit across from parents; instead, sit on the same side of the table as your guests. You will discover heightened levels of conversation and “comfortableness” on the part of parents this way.

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The Importance of Parent-Teacher Meetings?

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Why parents-teachers meeting is necessary.

Effective collaboration between parents at home and teachers in school is the key to ensure academic success of children. Keeping this in mind, many schools have taken sincere efforts in providing the parents with opportunities to have fruitful interactions with the teachers of their children throughout the academic year, especially through Parents-Teachers Meetings (PTMs) that are usually conducted on a monthly basis. However, due to the busy work schedule, many parents often do not get enough time to visit the school frequently to have one-on-one discussions with the teachers of their children. As a result, due to the lack of communication with the teachers, parents find it difficult to keep a track of their children’s performance at school. This in turn makes it difficult for the parents to get involved effectively in their children’s learning at home. Therefore, parents should make sure that they attend all the PTMs. Here are the top reasons why it is necessary for the parents to attend parents-teachers meetings.

Get a review of your child’s progress – You can receive feedback from the teachers about your child’s assignments; her involvement in classroom learning activities and her participation in extra-curricular activities such as competitions, field trips etc. You can also know whether your child takes enough initiatives to learn and grow in the school’s environment.

Receive the assessment of your child’s overall conduct – You can know about your child’s overall behaviour in school and the emotional relationship that she has developed over the time, with her teachers & non-teaching staff, with her classmates, junior children and with the senior children of the school.

Get hands-on experience of the school’s atmosphere – Byattending PTMs, you can get hands-on experience of the school’s overall environment, including its premises and the infrastructural facilities. You can also visit your child’s classroom, library, laboratories and all other places where she spends her time while in the school.

Know better about the teachers & the non-teaching staff – You can get a general idea of the overall conduct and attitude of the teachers, School Head and the support staff, towards their colleagues and the children.

Inform teachers about your child’s behavioural patterns – As a parent, since you know more about your child’s behavioural patterns right from her infancy, you can use PTMs as an opportunity to discuss with the teachers about your child’s physical & psychological strengths & weaknesses. Such discussions will help the teachers to know better about your child as an individual.

Discuss your child’s inherent talents – At PTMs, you can highlight your child’s special skills & talents that she has demonstrated at home, which you think can also be nurtured at school as well. Such discussions will help your child’s teachers contribute greatly towards her holistic development.

Make teachers aware of your child’s concerns – At PTMs you can discuss about the special physical conditions of your child, such as any particular things or substances which she may be allergic to or the classmates/friends with whom she might have issues that need to be resolved. Informing teachers about this will help them in ensuring that your child is nurtured in a safe environment at school and also thoroughly enjoys the time at school.

Meet the parents of your child’s friends – Apart from teachers you can also meet the parents of other children as well, during the PTMs. By interacting with the parents at the PTMs, you will be able to know about the common issues that are worrying all the parents, which you can raise during the meetings.

Give feedback about improvement in school – Above all, you can make use of PTMs as the right forum for giving your feedback to the school for its improvement in terms of the quality of education and the infrastructural facilities. You can also cross-check whether the facilities that the school has promised to offer are actually available for the children or not. At PTMs, you can also register complaints regarding the infrastructural facilities which you think, should be improved by the school’s authorities.

So, make the most of the PTMs conducted at your child’s school and get involved in her learning, by collaborating with her teachers. With your active participation in your child’s learning at school, she will be able to achieve progress and success in her academic career. Moreover, your regular visits to the school and your interaction with the teachers during the PTMs will make your child realise that you are an inherent part of her learning journey.

One thought on “ Why Parents-Teachers Meeting is Necessary ”

I am also an educationist having 25 years of teaching experience and imparting value education today’s young minds. SHEMROCK is a leading brand in the field of education. wishing you good luck and i hope SHEMROCK will educate more n more children in future. GBU

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Understanding The Purpose & Importance of Parent Teacher Conference

As a parent, you get to relive your childhood all over again. Going back to kindergarten, learning rhymes, reading fun stories, and doing all that we did as kids and even more, because now you get to do the kid things as well as play the very responsible part of being a parent. So, things like looking for schools, making sure the best is provided for your kids in life, and so on and so forth. One of these responsibilities is also to attend Parent-Teacher Meetings. As kids, we would only wonder what happens at the end of the discussion, but now you get to do it yourself. So today, we will examine the importance of Parent-Teacher Meetings. We will explore details regarding what is a Parent-Teacher Conference, what the benefits of Parent-Teacher Meetings are, and what the whole purpose of Parent-Teacher Meetings is.

Firstly, let’s take a look at a Parent-Teacher Conference. As a parent and a teacher, you have to work together on various things, such as Parent-Teacher interviews, Parent-Teacher Night or Parents’ Evening, to name a few. Basically, this is a short meeting or conference between the parents and the teachers of a respective student. The teachers and parents discuss the child’s progress at school and find solutions to academic or behavioral problems.

The main objective of a Parent-Teacher Meeting is to give an opportunity for parents and teachers to openly discuss what is happening at school and at home. This could be in the form of a positive or a very negative conversation. Ideally, an open and honest dialogue between a parent and a teacher can affect and change for the better in a child’s development and life as a whole.

Parents and teachers meetings are also to promote the welfare of children, in the school, at home, and in the community as a whole. To create better understanding between parents and teachers so that a child gets all the help from their parents and their teachers to adapt themselves to the changing concepts of society and different aspects of life.

Benefits of Parent-Teacher Meetings

Some benefits of Parent-Teacher Meetings are to build a sense of community at school and to increase and sustain parental participation and involvement in school events and in the life of a child. The benefits of Parent-Teacher Meetings are to foster a relationship between parents and the teachers, the school management, and the Board of Trustees, which brings everyone to the same page regarding the development and success of the student and the school and the community overall.

So one would want to know how important Parent-Teacher meetings are? Well, these meetings are very important for parents as they are the stepping stone towards an important milestone in the development of a child as well as in the development of you as a parent. It helps to have a healthy relationship with your child . As they say, you only get one chance to make a first impression, and first impressions matter. Truly, first impressions matter so much that scientists spend a lifetime studying them.

So, one would want to know what the purpose and objective of a parents and teachers meeting is? First of all, let us understand the main difference between the meeting purpose and the meeting objective, which is that the meeting purpose is the reason why you are having the meeting in the first place, while the objective is the desired outcome of the meeting.

Below mentioned are a few points to help you analyze your child’s problems and your child’s progress in any area and seek help if needed during Parent-Teacher Meetings.

• General questions. One must keep a repository of general questions related to their child’s results, test, assignments and the development of your child.
• All-round development. It is necessary for a parent to be in constant touch of their child’s development.
• Academic performance. As a parent it is our duty to be fully aware of our child’s areas of improvement and future aspects.
• Academic strengths and weaknesses. As a parent we must be aware of any plans a teacher may have for the better results and outcome of a child’s academic progress.
• Homework. Teachers give homework, but it is the duty of a parent to collaborate with a teacher in case of any doubts and queries regarding the homework given.
• Social skills. As teachers and parents it is necessary that we build a child’s social skills and improve their overall development.
• Aptitude and behaviour. As teachers and parents we must ensure kids have the ability to acquire a new skill, which is related to their intelligence. We must also ensure kids have a positive behaviour towards their success and failures.
• Parental involvement. It is the most important aspect of a child’s development, remember a teacher can only do as much as during school hours but beyond that your child is your responsibility.

One addition to the whole topic is a question that is often asked: what happens at a Parent-Teacher Conference? Well, these conferences mainly focus on a child’s learning, talk about their academic progress, especially highlighting their strengths and areas of improvement. Although behaviour and social concerns might not be discussed on a large scale, they do happen to be a part of the whole agenda for the meeting. The teacher helps parents to review their child’s progress, which includes strengths and areas of improvement. There could be talks about standardized tests and results, personalized education plans, and other plans related to a child’s natural development.

Here at EuroSchool , we make sure you have all the agenda pre discussed for all Parent-Teacher Conference and Parent-Teacher Meetings. We always start the conference with positive comments to help build a positive behaviour in children. We know that parents are often anxious about the meeting’s agenda and all about what the teacher has to say about their child, hence we have exceptionally skilled teachers who start the conference or the meeting with positive comments to show parents that we recognize their child’s strengths but we must equally work together on the child’s areas of improvement, thus giving our students the best of education and opportunities to excel in every area and aspect of learning.

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Parent teacher Meeting Importance and Benefits

Learning is a complex phenomenon.  A child faces difficulties in learning. Child faces mental stress and several identified and unidentified challenges. Holistic development of a child depends upon the hard work of student, parent and teacher. These three stake holders integrated effort give the best learning outcomes.

Parent teacher meeting covers the distance among three stakeholders. PTM opens a communication channel. Everyone is highly busy in his own task, profession and business. Teacher teachers a big numbers of students in different classes. Teacher is completing several tasks other than classroom teaching for maintaining piousness of an educational institution. Student is busy with reading, writing, completing class work and homework. Parent is busy with his profession for earning bread and butter for family.

Parent is a partner. Active participation of a parent brings massive change in kid’s academic performance. His nature of nurturing brings natural and holistic changes in kid’s personality. It is necessary to share responsibility and accountability with parent for the holistic development of a child. Parent is directly responsible for child progress at home and in the school. In fact, it is necessary to develop a strong bridge between parent and educator. Wise parents never leave space for developing negative outcomes. Each and every moment and movement of child determines her/his future.

Parent teacher meeting is an opportunity to exchange observation of a child with each other. Sharing daily experience and observation provide a wider prospect for parent and teacher to plan, prepare and execute planning for better learning outcome of a child. We discuss and share overall personality of a child with the teacher i.e. his/her behavior, manner, habit, attitude, learning styles, relation to self and society etc.   PTM is a junction to meet the needs of child.

Why does education system feel the necessity for conducting a parent teaching meeting?

Objective:-.

• Sex Education :- Great opportunity for parent and teacher to develop a healthy and strong relationship for the holistic development of a child

This platform helps parent and teacher to develop a rapport and build a strong relationship to understand and determine the need of a child. Developing an integrated child demands combine efforts from different stakeholders.

Sex Education

Great opportunity to open two ways communication for the welfare of kid

Two ways communication has great values for proper development of a child. Parent as well as teacher shares their effort on a common platform for the welfare of a child. Parent works at home on the feedback and observation shared by the teacher at school. Teacher modifies his way of handling the kids on school premises. Teacher keeps vigilant eyes on the mental and physical progress of a child. Parent and teacher follow each other after school hours also to ensure whether their effort is going on right track or not.

• Great platform for parent and teacher to share insights and information for the holistic development of a child

Parent and teacher shares each other minute observation of a child i.e. how does a child behave with friends, his confidence level in the class, his self esteem, self awareness, decision making skill, interest in learning, special interest, hobbies, and classroom performance. A child is pure mud. Parent and teacher try to grow a lotus on different favorable and unfavorable circumstances. Teacher’s works on parent feedback at school and parent works on teacher feedback at home.

• Great platform for an educator to know a child’s weakest and strongest areas from parent’s observation

Parent and teacher identify weak areas and try hard to improve those points. It is not a platform to make it just a complaining against each other. Both stakeholders should not deviate from child’s concern. Proper education of child is our prime concern. Parent and teacher’s personality is just value zero. Out ego has no great value if we could not be a wise parent and teacher. Our prime concern is to shape a child into an integrated personality. PTM provides this big opportunity to work for the child.

• Great opportunity to know and to work for purification and modification of student’ performance and to ensure best academic and non academic performance of child.

No religious place can help a child to grow as an integrated personality. School is the best pious place to impart quality education and develop an individual as a world citizen. Overall personality of a child does matter for teacher and parent. We share and care same concern; to develop a child into a fine human being. Our objective is same. Parent teacher meeting solves the prime objective of a child well being on a single place.

We are educator. We are professionals. We are skilled teachers. We must avoid clash with parent. We are listener. We must hear him. His problems and complains may be appear illogical, harsh and irrational at first instance but it may also be beneficial for so many students. When a parent sends his/her son/daughter to our school, s/he is sending `a life to us. Our prime concern is to provide a homely environment and a joyful learning experience to each and every one enrolled in our class/school. To err is human therefore it may be possible that consciously and unconsciously, we may commit mistakes, however a mild reminder from parent makes us alive, awake and alert teacher.

School and educator existence depend on a child. Parent is an active partner but a third party for the school who suggests some great tips and techniques to empower an individual in the school. Education should be seen in a wider perspective. Our effort is to develop an integrated personality; it is only possible when student, parent and teacher work hard to weave a web of togetherness for providing quality education.

One thought on “ Parent teacher Meeting Importance and Benefits ”

Thanks for this informative article on the importance of parent-teacher conferences. I think you made a great point that parent-teacher conference is a great time to identify a student’s strengths and weaknesses and how can you work together to help the child develop in school. I will have to keep this in mind for the next parent-teacher conference.

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