To best support children, it is important for parents to build a strong relationship with the school community and to be involved in their children's learning. This relationship should be based on openness, mutual understanding, respect and ongoing dialogue.
Regular consultation meetings with teachers are very useful to keep parents informed of their children's progress and to discuss any matters concerning the well-being of their children. These are also important opportunities to establish shared goals and expectations about children's learning.
Here are 4 tips for your next parent-teacher meeting:
1. Talk to your child prior to the meeting and ask them if there is anything they would like you to raise with their teachers.
Make a list of questions to ask during the session. Think about specific areas and goals that you would like your child to work towards.
2. Engage in dialogue with the class teacher. It should always be a two-way conversation.
Share with teachers your child’s strengths, challenges faced, personality, attitudes, interests, needs and dreams. Discuss about ways you and the teachers can help your child with some of his/her challenges.
3. Develop a plan to collaborate with the teachers.
Parents and teachers must be committed to working together to support a child’s success.
4. Let your child know how the meeting went.
Celebrate your child’s achievements and interests. Share with your child what you have learned at the meeting with his/her teachers. Involve your child in making suggestions for shared goals.