From
a child’s standpoint, a parent-teacher conference brings two important parts of
the child’s life closer together — school and home.
Children
usually feel good that their teacher and parents know each other because they
are all such important influences and role models.
As
a result, after the conference, parents usually are better able to help their
children with school work.
During
the conference, teachers can show parents the learning growth that has taken
place for their children. Plus, teachers can pass on enjoyable details or
special concerns about learning.
In
turn, parents can learn of special services available for children who need
them.
They
can find out how individual differences are taken into account in teaching, and
how that can apply to their child.
For
their part, parents can help teachers learn more about home activities and situations
that may affect learning.
The
teacher can be more effective when positive feelings exist between home and
school. For this reason, parent-teacher conferences create a win-win situation
that goes far beyond the specific exchange of information that takes place.
They
set a tone of cooperation and support that can be very influential on a child’s
attitude toward learning.
They
also establish lines of communication that can prove critical in times of
challenge. It’s a win-win for all involved.
