Helpful Hints

Getting the Most out of Parent-Teacher Interviews


Here are five simple tips designed to help parents get the most out of parent-teacher interviews.

Tip #1 – Be Prepared
A parent-teacher interview is similar to a job interview.  There is so much to talk about and so little time.  To make the most out of it, come well prepared and organized.  Before leaving home, take time to write your questions, talk to your child about his or her experience at school and try to arrive at least 15 minutes earlier.  Remember: the better prepared you are, the more beneficial your interview will be.

Tip #2 – Getting Off on the Right Foot
The first parent-teacher interview is a great way for parents to get to know their child’s teacher.  A positive attitude is the key ingredient to establishing a good rapport with the teacher.  To get off on the right foot, it is important to try to listen to what the teacher has to say and ask questions about the teacher, including his/her teaching philosophy.  Making a positive connection at the start of the school year will make it easier to talk to the teacher and get involved in school activities in the future.

Tip #3 – Co-operation is the Key
Successful education requires a strong partnership between the school and the home.  What better way to establish that partnership than at parent-teacher interviews.  By working together, parents and teachers can identify issues and opportunities and establish solutions that will maximize a child’s success inside and outside of the classroom.

Tip #4 – Involving your Child
Young children are generally nervous about parent-teacher interviews.  They’re anxious to know – What did my teacher say?  Am I doing OK?  Did she say anything about yesterday’s homework?  To ease the situation, involve your child in the interview process.  Before the parent-teacher interview, talk to your child about his/her experience at school and discuss concerns.  After the interview, pass on the positive information and assure your child that you and the teacher have developed a plan to help him/her succeed.

Tip #5 – Measuring Results
It’s always a good idea to follow-up with your child’s teacher.  Before leaving the parent-teacher interview, schedule another meeting – this time to review and evaluate your child’s improvement.  This will encourage effective and regular two-way communication between the home and the school.  In addition to attending parent-teacher interviews and scheduling follow-up meetings, parents are always welcome to call, e-mail, write or drop-in for an update on their child’s progress.

WHY ARE PARENT-TEACHER INTERVIEWS IMPORTANT?
  • They create a strong partnership between the home and the school.
  • They provide an opportunity for parents and teachers to communicate.
  • They enable parents to gain vital information about their child.
  • They help support student achievement.
  • They demonstrate parents’ involvement in their child’s education.

10 GREAT QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER

Write down these questions in preparation for the next parent-teacher interview!
  • What is my child like in class?
  • How does my child respond to structure, rules and directions?
  • How does my child interact with others?
  • What are my child's strengths and weaknesses?
  • Are there any indicators of academic problems?
  • What subject does my child seem to enjoy most?
  • Is my child well prepared for class?
  • What can we do at home to reinforce what is being taught in the classroom?
  • How is achievement measured in your classroom?
  • How will my child be evaluated?