It's that time of year! Parent Teacher conferences are upon us and it is time to find out what is going on with your child at school. There are many important things to think about and remember when going to speak to your child's teacher.
1) Before the conference, think about whether or not you have questions to ask the teacher. It's ok if you can't think of any! (Be prepared with your questions but let the teacher speak first before you ask them. She may answer them before you have to ask!)
2) Go in with a positive attitude!
3) Before you start offering a lot of information about your child, listen to what the teacher has to say. It is important to get a good idea of the child that the teacher sees in class. Remember, class and home are completely different environments so there are times when teachers may see different behaviors or struggles than you see at home. If you are surprised at some of the things the teacher sees in class, it is ok to let him know what you see at home.
4) If a teacher discusses any struggles or weaknesses that your child may be having, it is important to then ask what she is doing in the class to help, support or modify for your child. If the teacher mentions areas where your child may be excelling, be sure to ask what is being done in class to help challenge your child in that area.
5) It is important to not only learn about your child academically, but socially too. If the teacher does not bring it up be sure to ask about whether or not your child socializes appropriately in class, at recess, etc. You can ask who in the class he tends to gravitate towards and whether or not that seems to be a good match. If so, you may want to set up some play dates with that friend outside of school.
6) If your child does well on her report card but it requires a great deal of effort and work at home to achieve those grades, it is important to let the teacher know that you are happy with the grades but that it isn't easy for your child and that A LOT of work goes into earning those grades.
7) If homework is a battle at home or if your child is disorganized and can't seem to keep her materials together, let the teacher know and ask what strategies he is using in class to help students with these Executive Function skills.
8) Ask about your child's classroom participation. Does he raise his hand, volunteer, or wait to be called on?
9) If you feel there were any surprises during the conference and you do not want to wait to hear information like this at the next conference, ask your teacher to please touch base in a few weeks about what was discussed. If you don't hear from the teacher, follow up with a phone call or email.
10) Make sure you THANK the teacher for all of her hard work and support!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Fresh Start With A Chart!
Are you tired of hearing that you forgot to put your child's book back in their backpack or that you were supposed to sign something that your child never gave you?
Now that school is back in session, it is time to make sure that we are helping our kids take responsibility for their own materials and work.
What to do? Start with a chart! Charts are not just for younger children. Sit down with your child and decide what his responsibilities are when he gets home from school. You can use the computer and list the days of the week across the top with your child's responsibilities along the right side. Then create boxes so your child can make a check mark as he completes the task.
Examples:
Younger children can list things such as wash hands, have snack, show folder, do homework, place homework back in bag, library books in bag, etc.
Older children can list things such as show agenda/get it signed, complete homework, study, read, etc.
If there is something listed that does not apply one day, they can put an "x" in the box.
A chart like this can help put the responsibility in your child's hands as opposed to yours. It is important that she helps create the chart and list of responsibilities. Post the chart in a common area so she sees it daily and remembers to use it!
Now that school is back in session, it is time to make sure that we are helping our kids take responsibility for their own materials and work.
What to do? Start with a chart! Charts are not just for younger children. Sit down with your child and decide what his responsibilities are when he gets home from school. You can use the computer and list the days of the week across the top with your child's responsibilities along the right side. Then create boxes so your child can make a check mark as he completes the task.
Examples:
Younger children can list things such as wash hands, have snack, show folder, do homework, place homework back in bag, library books in bag, etc.
Older children can list things such as show agenda/get it signed, complete homework, study, read, etc.
If there is something listed that does not apply one day, they can put an "x" in the box.
A chart like this can help put the responsibility in your child's hands as opposed to yours. It is important that she helps create the chart and list of responsibilities. Post the chart in a common area so she sees it daily and remembers to use it!
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