How do I prep for Parent Teacher Conferences?
Parent Teacher Conference week is long. I mean really long. Like multiple-12-hour-days long. In my district, the week looks like this: teach a full day, hold conferences from 4:00 - 8:30 PM, rinse, repeat. It is SO easy to dread this week. (Nurses, my hat's off to you. I don’t know how you do those 12+ hour shifts every week!)
I have a confession.... these are some of my favorite weeks of the year! I know, I know, that sounds crazy. BUT, this is the time you finally get to sit down with the people that spend the other half of the day with your students. The support system that cares for them and may know their student and his/her school career best. The people that love them so much. Conferences are special weeks when you truly get to come together, brag on their kiddo, and make a plan for how to continue to partner with their education for the rest of the year.
I have found the way to actually enjoy these evenings instead of dreading them? Being prepared.
Want my complete guide to Parent-Teacher Conferences (including all the printable forms and documents you’ll need)? Drop your email address below and I’ll send it to you!
What can I do to prep for Parent Teacher Conferences?
BE PREPARED
Have the most important information about each student ready. As a general rule, the 3 “R’s” are a great go-to: Reading, (W)riting, and (A)rithmetic Reading scores, writing samples, and math fluency are typically my pillars for a snapshot of the student's education and progress. These are easy records to have ready but don’t overwhelm parents. I like to use a simple organizer for this (you can find one in the freebie). I also like to have some student work samples on hand to support whatever I am trying to share with parents.
…BUT NOT TOO PREPARED
If you’re anything like me, it's easy to get excited and go on and on about the student, but you might start to notice parents’ eyes glaze over at about minute 12 (or minute 4…).
I've found the best way to combat this problem is by limiting the amount of papers and information I plan to share. I only have about 5-10 minutes of information planned for each conference knowing questions will come up. This is another reason I find a summary page helpful to organize the most important information I want to give to parents. I also don’t bring a huge pile of artifacts (student work) to share. Just one from each “R” that illustrates whatever I want to emphasize or communicate.
TWO WORDS: COLOR. CODED.
You know how I mentioned the parents’ eyes glazing over? Your eyes are gonna do that, too. After about 6 conferences, the kids start to bleed together and looking at scores might make you go a little cross-eyed.
Solution: I color-code the forms when I fill them out! (And add a “goal” or “on level” number.) This way, when I am in a conference, I can really easily see any areas where that kiddo is struggling. This helps me focus the conversation of each conference where time can get eaten up quickly. I like to use red, yellow, and green. Red for below level, yellow for close, and green for on or above grade level.
BIGGEST TIP: HAVE SOME STORIES READY
Since many parents might feel like they’re drowning in numbers after reviewing the summary form, I like to share information about their student that isn’t just data-driven.
Throughout the year, I make little notes to myself about stories when one kiddo helped another student, or invited a new friend to sit by them, or just had an especially GREAT day. During conferences, I want the parents to feel like they experienced these special moments with their student too. Parents need to hear positive stories - not just the student scores on standardized assessments AND not just the moments the kid messed up. Even if you have to talk about hard behavior issues, be sure to share some sweet or happy moments too.
Sharing these "gold nuggets" about the student might be the most memorable and lasting thing you share during conferences, and can often be really important in helping parents feel hope when striving to help their student succeed.
WHAT ABOUT BEHAVIOR?
Honestly, the Parent Teacher Conference should not be the first time a parent hears behavior concerns. Best case scenario is that you have been touching base with them throughout the year so there are no “gotcha” moments during the conference.
However, if there are behavior concerns to address, I always to make sure I sandwich these in-between positives.
“Rhett is such a joy in class. He always tells the funniest jokes. We are working on finding appropriate times to share these jokes, so you can continue to support that at home with reminding him how to judge those situations. I have to tell you one of the jokes he shared though, because I couldn’t help but laugh. I think his confidence in front of people is so awesome for his age and will continue to be an asset for him as he gets older!’
As long as you feel like you have a plan going in to conferences (and notes so that you don’t forget your plan), you can walk in with a pep in your step and enjoy the conversations along the way. Happy conferences!
Want help making a plan? Drop your email below and I’ll send you my complete Parent Teacher Conference Guide with printables!
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