November is here. We’re half way through the first term, classrooms are settled, and in addition to teaching, teachers have had some time to observe their classroom environments and individual students. This makes it the perfect time to invite parents in for one-on-one conversations. Parent Teacher Meetings are an opportunity to connect and foster continued partnership with your child’s teacher around your child’s learning and social/emotional development. 

In this meeting, you can expect to hear about your child’s academic progress and behavioral development since September. Your teacher will likely also touch upon any noteworthy social interactions in addition to your child’s strengths and challenges within the classroom. It wouldn’t be uncommon to expect some questions about bedtime routines, screen time and device use.

This is also a great time to share your observations with your child’s teacher. Sharing your insights, as the people who know your child best in the world, evolves our understanding of your child and informs how we guide them. 

How does your child feel about school? Are there any family stressors or other challenges that may be impacting your child academically or socially? Have you noticed any behavioral changes? What do you see as your child’s strengths and challenges? Do they have any special interests? What are your goals for your child this year and how are you supporting them with those at home? Some parents may have specific academic goals while others may place value on reinforcing prosocial traits like compassion or self-regulation. At this point in the year, your child’s teachers can put strategies in place to support your family’s priorities.

That’s A LOT to think about and cover in 20 minutes, so here are some tips to prepare for and facilitate a smooth Parent Teacher Meeting this November:

1 Attend!

Attending school events - especially those with direct conversation about your child with your child’s teacher - demonstrates to your child that you are engaged and place value in their learning and their life at school.

2 Bring your list of questions and insights. 

We’ve compiled a list of suggested questions. This list is by no means exhaustive, and you will want to begin with your highest priorities in case you run out of time. 

3 Talk to your child. 

No one knows what’s happening in the classroom better than your child. Ask them if they have any questions or concerns for their teacher and discuss them in your meeting.

4 Ask to see samples of work or materials your child is currently working with.

It’s been a long time since your primary school days! Look at examples of your child’s work and the materials they are currently engaging with, to better understand what your child is working on and working towards.

5 Schedule a follow-up meeting.

It’s respectful of your teacher’s time (and the parents following you) to stick to your designated 20 minutes, however that may not feel like enough time. Schedule a follow-up meeting with your teacher to get to the questions you weren’t able to get to or to check-in on any concerns raised. 

The biggest impact of a parent-teacher meeting is its power to bring both parents and teachers together to ensure your child's steady progress —socially, academically, emotionally— to foster lifelong learning, success, and happiness.