Parent-teacher conferences provide the parent with an opportunity to supply the teacher with useful information about their child that can support the learning process in school. Teachers can, in turn, suggest ways for parents to help at home.

Before the conference:

• Talk to your child. Find out what he or she likes or dislikes about school. Find out if there are things to be discussed with the teacher.
• Explain that the conference is to help, not to check up on him or her.
• Write down specific concerns and questions, such as: Where are your child's strengths? How can you help with school activities? How much homework is expected? How is your child's progress evaluated? What can you do to help? Have there been any incidents at school involving your child? How is your child getting along with other students?

During the conference:

• Bring your child's interests to the teacher's attention: favourite subjects, least favourite subjects, relationships with friends. Let the teacher know about things that might be bothering your child (illness in the family or any major issues) and what you feel is important to the education of your child. The more the teacher knows about your child, the more the teacher will be able to help.
• Ask questions relating to achievement. Ask for positive comments about your child.
• Ask questions such as: Does the child have particular strengths that I should build on? Are there significant weaknesses (e.g. unable to cope with aspects of the work, slowness in asking for help ...)? Does he or she get on well with other children? Make friends easily? Is his or her behaviour in the classroom acceptable? If not, what can we do about it? Is he or she generally happy in school and getting sufficient experience of success? Is there anything that should happen as a result of this interview? More regular communication with the teacher? More time spent with the child? Special reassurance and encouragement on certain days? Some change in the home routine?
• Ask what you can do at home to help your child.
• Make notes of points raised during the conference.
• The teacher may ask about your child's attitude to school, any physical or emotional problems she or he should know about, how and where your child does homework. These questions are not to pry or interfere, but to give the teacher more insight into your child's school life.

After the conference parents may find it necessary to:

• Discuss strengths and weaknesses with the child. Make positive suggestions for improvement.
• Talk about the areas you will work on and make plans with the child about how you will do it together.
• Be consistent and follow through with what you said you would do.
• Let the teacher know how the plan is working, and call the school if you need more help
• Praise your child for working hard to improve and do better in school.

• (Taken from the "Parent Resource Binder: The Essential Link", published by the Newfoundland and Labrador Home and School Federation).

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