Parents’ Day – Tips for talking to teachers

Parents’ Day – an important event

Parents should definitely take part in the parents’ day at school, because in conversations with the teachers they can find out how well their child is doing in class and how they are behaving in the class. But it is also important for the teachers to find out from the parents how the child is coping with the school material at home: Does it like doing its homework , is it rather bored or even overwhelmed? In this way, the teachers can better assess the child and, if there are problems, you can look for a suitable solution together . Parents also show that they are interested in their child and their everyday school life by taking part in the parents’ conference.

Prepare for parent conference

The school usually sends out a written invitation to the parents’ day. Parents should keep the date given free so that they can take part in the parents’ day and have enough time to talk to the teachers. It is also part of the preparation that they ask their children how they see themselves at school, whether a subject causes them difficulties or whether they have problems with other students. Parents should then make an appointment with the class teacher or the relevant subject teacher. Since the discussions with the teachers are limited to about five to fifteen minutes, you should think about a few questions for the parents’ day beforehand.

Parents’ Day Questions

• Does the child participate sufficiently in the lesson?
• How is the child working? Is it focused, goal oriented and does it work quickly?
• How does the child behave towards other classmates and the teacher?
• Is the child developing according to age?
• What are the reasons for bad grades?
• Are there areas in which the child still needs support?
• How can you support the child at home? Are there any practice materials?
• What special strengths does the child have?

7 tips for the teacher talk on Parents’ Day

1. Take child with you

Parents with or without a child can visit the parents’ conference. It is best to ask the teachers what is more desirable. If the child is present at the parents’ day, it has the advantage that it can also get involved in the discussion with the teacher and describe any problems. It also learns how to deal with criticism.

2. Overcome fears

On Parents’ Day, many parents feel reminded of their own school days and the old fear of authorities comes back. In this case, you should make it clear that it is not about you, but about the child. Parents should not be intimidated by teachers’ authority and should actively participate in the conversation. The teacher will certainly be grateful for constructive suggestions.

3. Listening

Parents should listen quietly to what the teachers have to say about the child on Parents’ Day, because they know the child from a different perspective. Children often behave differently at school than at home. Parents should therefore respect the teacher’s point of view, try not to interrupt him and let him finish.

4. Ask questions

Parents can ask the teacher if something is still unclear and ask questions if they want to know something more precisely. This way the conversation is not one-sided and the teacher sees that you are interested in your child’s academic development.

5. Inform teachers

Teachers should also be kept informed at Parents’ Day of any changes in the home, such as the birth of a sibling or disabling illnesses, that could affect the child’s academic performance. In this way, the teacher does not draw any wrong conclusions and can be considerate if necessary.

6. Express criticism appropriately

If, as a parent, you are not satisfied with the way the teacher teaches the lesson, or if you have other wishes or points of criticism, you should express them at the parents’ conference. In this way, the teacher finds out what he can still improve. However, the criticism must be factual and accusations should be avoided. The teacher needs a chance to explain reasons for his actions in the classroom.

7. Look for solutions

If the child has problems with certain learning content or with classmates, these must be addressed on parents’ day if the teacher has not already recognized them himself. Parents can then work with the teacher to find a suitable solution. Parents should also show that they are willing to support their child at home. Therefore, it is ideal if you ask about additional learning materials or other options if necessary.