Following up after a family-teacher conference

Family-teacher conferences are a great way to start talking to your child’s teachers. As a family member or caregiver, you are your child’s first and most important teacher. You and your child’s school have something in common: you both want your child to learn and do well. When families and teachers talk to each other, each person can share important information about your child’s talents and needs. Each person can also learn something new about how to help your child.

Once your family-teacher conference is over, here are a few things you can do to follow up.

Make a plan: Write down the things that you and the teacher will do to support your child. You can do this during the conference or after. Write down what you will do, when, and how often. Make plans to check in with the teacher in the coming months.

Schedule another time to talk: Communication should go both ways. Ask how you can contact the teacher. And don’t forget to ask how the teacher will contact you too. There are many ways to communicate—in person, by phone, notes, email. Make a plan that works for both of you. Be sure to schedule at least one more time to talk in the next few months.

Talk with your child: The family-teacher conference is all about your child, so don’t forget to include them. Share with your child what you learned. Show them how you will provide support with learning at home. Ask for their suggestions.