Tips for a Successful Conference Week and a Freebie

Call it what you want it, conferences are exciting, fun, informative, and most of all- EXHAUSTING! Our week of conferences are beginning and I am excited. It is a time to get to meet parents and talk about the students. Conferences should be a positive experience for both the teacher, the parents, and the students. I had a wise principal that said that if there is a problem, the parents should know about that before conference, and conference is not the time for them to hear about it. Communication with parents is hard. Parents are busy- I'm a parent! However, it's up to us to let these parents know what is going on.

I like to gather some work the kids have been working on for the term and put them in a folder- a simple long piece of construction paper, folded in half, with a picture that students have colored on the front. (I'll post pics when we get them done.) I like to have a test for literacy and math in there, for parents to see what we are doing. I also like to have a goal sheet to show the child is setting goals.

I also like to send home a cute invitation for their conference.

I have some tips for you as a teacher and you as a parent to be ready!

 Teachers:
1. Prepare parents early for when they can sign up. Send home an email, a REMIND 101 (an app you can use to communicate with parents) or put it in your newsletter.
2. If you conferences are after a term, make sure report cards have been sent home and there were no surprises on the report card. In other words, make sure you have kept communication open and parents are aware when their child is struggling before they see it on a report card.
3. Clean your room! Make a good impression to your parents! Plug in a Scentsy to get out the "kid sweat" smell!
4. Have a list in the hallway showing conference times. Have something for parents to look at while they wait. (If they have to wait.) I always have classroom collaborative books we have made. The parents enjoy finding their child's work.
5. Share something positive with the parents to begin conference. This starts it out on a nice note. As mentioned earlier, this is a time that should be focused on the child's strengths. Save the negative concerns for previous meetings. This is not always possible, but don't let it be a surprise to the parents, either.
6. Enjoy! Even though conferences are long, they really are rewarding, and help you as the teacher to see where your children come from!

Parents
1. Make sure sign up for a conference time so you don't get assigned a time. This doesn't always work for you and it's important for your child that you attend conferences.
2. Make sure to be on time to conference.
3. Make a list of questions you want to ask the teacher. When you are there, you may feel rushed, and forget the questions you were going to ask!
4. Realize your child's teacher has a lot of students, so be patient with the teacher! But make sure you voice concerns with your child. The teacher needs to be aware of your child's needs to better teach them.
5. Celebrate your child! School is their job! Show them you are pleased with their hard work and help them feel valued!

I've made a freebie with some conference files for you to enjoy, including the invitation. Click on the apple invitation above! I will be revisiting this freebie for next conference to add another invitation. Enjoy! Leave me a comment and let me know what your advice is for conferences!