Parent Teacher Conference Tips
These parent teacher conference tips will surely help take away the stress that comes with conferences! I always love getting to talk with parents and show off the amazing things we do in our class, but the fear of an angry parent or saying the wrong thing always keeps me up at night. After hundreds of parent teacher conferences, I finally figured out some parent teacher conference tips and tricks that help take the stress away!
Parent Teacher Conference Tip #1:
Photos = Smiles! Have a picture of each child ready to give to the parent as soon as they sit down! Kids take the silliest pictures that are sure to make the parent smile and feel at ease! It’s the perfect time to explain how genuinely happy you are that their child is in your class. I always like to thank parents for sharing their child with me, and I let them know I appreciate how often their child makes me smile.
*If you don’t have individual photos of each child, you can snap a class photo and print it out really quick!
Parent Teacher Conference Tip #2:
Respect each parent’s time! Nothing is worse than starting the conference with an angry parent who just sat outside your door for an extra 20 minutes. I suggest putting up a “please knock” sign on your door. Add with the schedule for the day next to it too! You can download and use the FREE sign below! This gives parents control of their time and helps you stay on schedule.
If a conference needs more time, offer to schedule a follow-up meeting or finish as a phone conference later.
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| Download your Parent Teacher Conference Door Sign HERE! |
Conference Tip #3:
Make time to share a specific story about their child that will make them smile AGAIN! Maybe it’s the time they helped a new student make friends at lunch, or the time they shared the silliest joke in class. Give parents another reason to praise their child and see how much you value and love having them in your class!
Conference Tip #4:
This tip is for YOU. Keep a seriously large stash of Reese’s cups in your desk. If you don’t like Reese’s, I am only going to judge you a little bit. Just kidding! But really, keep some candy in your desk or treat yourself. Not into candy? Treat yourself to a shopping spree in the Target Dollar Spot after conferences. You deserve it, and it gives you something to look forward to.
Conference Tip #5:
Give parents time to express concerns or observations they see at home. I suggest sending home a half sheet that allows parents to write their concerns ahead of time. Have parents turn them in BEFORE conferences. That you get a heads up and you can leave time to address those concerns.Parents want to feel heard. This gives you the opportunity to to walk into each conference feeling a little extra prepared! It’s a win-win situation!
I hope these parent teacher conference tips leave you feeling excited to build relationships with parents and confident walking into conference week! If you found this post helpful, take a screenshot and tag me on Instagram @thesprinkletoppedteacher. I truly LOVE seeing this teacher community come together.