4 Questions Every Parent Should Ask Their Child's Teacher

It's Parent-Teacher conference time for many local school districts, and making those brief meetings as productive as possible is on everybody's mind. Most likely, your child's teacher is prepared with a specific list of items to discuss and that's a good thing! It's a clear indication of a teacher who's prepared a plan to guide your child's instruction and who can speak specifically to where your child 'is' in terms of  her progress.Does that mean parents should be passive during conferences? No - and most likely teachers would enjoy more of an exchange anyway. While it can often feel a bit rushed and there can be a lot of information to choose from to discuss during a conference, theses four areas may help you organize exactly what questions are important to ask during your child's parent teacher conference this spring.

1. Homework. While homework is not 'class work' or even necessarily an emphasis of school work, it does speak to 'soft skills' related to school functioning. For example, how well a student is able to keep organized, work independently, follow-through with assignments, and so on. Some questions to consider as a parent might be are: is my child turning in assignments on time? Is the work completed in an acceptable manner?
2. Class participation. Get feedback from your child's teacher regarding her observations of your child's engagement in classroom. Do they appear prepared? Do they listen and follow directions? Cooperate? A student's functioning regarding following the structure and routine of the class is important, and sometimes is hard for parents to pick up on if not asked directly.
3. Social-emotional observations and/or feedback. Hopefully you have a good sense of your child's relationship with his teacher. However, you may want to consider getting direct feedback. Asking for direct feedback regarding your child's relationship(s) with the teacher, other adults, and/or other students may be helpful. Does your child get along well with other students? Manage frustration well? Social-emotional functioning in school is a significant factor regarding how well a student well perform.
4. Academics. Not just grades and progress on standardized tests, but is your child able and comfortable asking for help? Does she preserver regardless of task difficulty? Is this a strength, weakness, something to work on?

 At best, your relationship with your child's teacher is positive and open communication has already been established. If not, through considering these types of questions, your child's teacher is aware that you've given careful thought and consideration to aspects of learning that occur both in and out of the classroom. Of course, you're asking these in the spirit of wanting to work together to build on your child's strengths in order to improve on weaker areas. These kinds of questions - hopefully -  send a signal to your child's teacher that you want their feedback and that you are ready and willing to help.Need help having conversations with your child's teachers?Consider talking to your child's school psychologist.Amy Folger at WFT can be a resource!