Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/parents-perspectives-on-conferencing/5011640/
Children are awake 12 or more hours each day existing in, exploring, and experiencing this world. They snooze away most of the remainder of each 24 hour span. Many spend more than half of their waking hours with people other than their parents. When parents and children separate for long periods each day, there is a tremendous need to hear stories about each other. What did you eat today; did you learn a new song; or were you sad, mad, glad over something? Parent conferences are a formal time for parents and teachers to share stories.Three Concerns
Parents come to conferences with three basic concerns:
Do you know and like my child?
Can I trust you?
Is my child normal?
These concerns are the bottom line.
Three Messages
Parents want to convey three main messages.
I want to be a good parent.
I love my child and she is very special to me.
I want specific things for my child: (PIES) physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially.
Structure
Structure a conference to meet parents' needs. Addressing all three concerns and messages leads to successful parent conferences. Imagine three parts to each meeting:
Part One - Listen and share stories
Part Two - Address the child's school performance
Part Three - Prepare for the future
Part One
The first part ...