Parents have so much to share with teachers. You are the holder of additional information that is so valuable to teachers. You hear the “home” version of how they feel about school. They may mention what they like best, what is easy or hard for them and whether or not they have school worries. You know if your child is doing homework at night and how long it takes. You know what brings about the most excitement for your child and what gets the most airtime at the dinner table. Sharing these insights with your child's teacher is valuable.

Teachers have so much to share with parents too. Teachers watch how your child relates with others in a classroom. They see how your child performs academically in a variety of subject areas and what support is needed to make the most progress. They know whether your child is willing to take intellectual risks in the classroom. They know your child's reading level. They know whether your child is making friends in class and what behaviors help or hinder social progress. Teachers know if your child is on track to meet state academic standards. They also are working to see evidence of fixed or growth mindset tendencies, which is certainly a work in progress.

In order to make your conference a productive one, here are some questions you might want to ask and some information you might consider sharing with the teacher.  Preparing what you hope to ask and share will help make the most out of the conference time.