Mindful Monday: Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-Teacher Conferences are around the corner. And like most things in life, it can come with mixed emotions. 

On one hand, it's one more thing to do. It's another task that needs your attention. And let's face it, meeting with parents is hardly my idea of fun.

Here's the thing, Parent-Teacher Conferences can also be a fantastic way to set the tone for the rest of the year. It is a great way to build a positive relationship with your students' families. And it always provides priceless insights to helping our students succeed. 

I wanted to leave you with 5 things to consider before Parent-Teacher Conferences next week. 

1. As teachers, we naturally have goals that we want to help our students reach during their time with us. However, when was the last time we asked parents what their goal for the school year was for their child? 
2. Every year I try to find authentic ways to brag on my students to their families. While this is an excellent time for that, I would also like to encourage you to consider flipping the role. Ask parents to brag about their child to you. Watch their faces light up! 
3. While I realize that most teachers send newsletters via email to our families regularly, messages can often be lost in translation. This is a great time to communicate and/or clarify expectations for the year. 
4. Not only is this a great time to get to know our students' families, it is an equally great time for them to get to know you and see that you are on their team. 
5. Finally, most Parent-Teacher Conferences happen during the school day, which is great for us, but not always as convenient for our working families. Be sure to thank them for their time and being a partner in their child's education. We can't do it without them! 

Ideas: 

• Consider posting a "Proud Parent Fridge" in your classroom for parents to write/brag about their student. Imagine what that will do to our student's confidence in class to see how proud someone is of them at home. (I realize not all parents come to conferences. For those who don't have something written on the fridge, you or another staff member could brag about students on the fridge, as well.)
• Consider sharing resources with your parents like a Handle With Care note or Instead of How Was Your Day questions.