Parent/Teacher Conferences

[ladyandrearose]

Hey Ladies!

We have our first Kindergarten Parent/Teacher conferences coming up. I have never done this before. What kinds of questions should I be asking? Should DD be present for the conference or should I get a sitter? What kind of things will the teacher be telling me?

Thanks!

[sharon]

They will likely have a lot of information to share with you, so don't stress if you don't know what to ask. As far as your child being present, that depends on school policy so I would ask them. Our school has conferences just for parents, but has someone there to play with kids on the playground on in the gym, so we don't have to get a sitter.

I would expect the teacher will tell you how your child is doing in various subjects, what she excels at and what is hard for her if anything. She/he may set goals with you for what your child will accomplish during the year. She/he may share state standards with you and where your child's skills are in relation to them - or this may wait until the Spring conference.

[sharon]

At my son's school they also have the children write or dictate to the teacher the answers to several questions on a survey to share with the parents - who their friends are, what their favorite subject is and rate several things as to how hard/easy they are for them, etc.

[ladyandrearose]

Thanks for the info Sharon. I like to be armed w/ information when I go to a new situation. I know that they did STEP testing for reading and that data will be shared with us, but I know nothing about the STEP program.

[sharon]

I don't know what that is.

[ladyandrearose]

It is a program out of the University of Chicago. I couldn't find much information about it on the internet. Not too many schools in Minnesota use it. I believe it has 12 levels and they want kindergarten students to be at level 3 at the end of the school year. i have no idea what the levels mean or anything.

[ReneeW]

In kindergarten so much of the emphasis is just on your kid getting used to being in school, sitting still when it's time to sit still, raising hands to speak if that's what the teacher wants, being able to work within that classroom setting--that kind of thing. I remember wanting to know more if my kid was being a good friend and helping the classroom be a good environment for learning and stuff like that. It's also a good time to just build a relationship with your child's teacher and feel more connected with the school. That's my recollection anyway!! Have fun, go in with an open mind, and just enjoy the whole "being part of the school community" thing. I usually don't get sitters for my kids; our school has coloring books or activities the kids can do right outside the door. But the child is not part of the conference at the school we attend so if you'd rather get a sitter (or have a toddler who'd be running around etc.) that makes sense.

[jlschlangen]

I know for our schools the very first conference is to get to know you & your child and maybe to set a goal, to tell how the child is doing or any expectations. I only bring the child if I can't find someone to watch then they color/draw or play off to the side so the teacher & I can chat.

[lilmermaid]

I never bring DD1(3rd grade this year) with to conferences but our school doesn't really say one way or another. I think in 5th grade for sure is when they are supposed to attend. So some parents tend to bring them.
I always have important things to discuss that I don't want to do in front of her. Some examples were her emotional issues, bullying last year and her hearing issues.
You could always email the teacher and ask if your child should attend.