Planning for Parent-Teacher Conferences

5 Things for the Educator to Know or Do:

1. 1. Be Prepared. Have anecdotal notes and child's work samples ready to share.
   2. Start with strengths of the child. Share positive stories and progress. Share specific examples and include the child’s work when discussing areas of growth.
   3. Explain strategies used to address any concerns and strategies you are considering.
   4. Partner with the families. Make families feel welcome. Be aware and respectful of cultural differences. Provide an ample meeting space. Allow time for families to voice concerns and educational expectations. Work together with families to set appropriate goals for their children. Have interpreters available when necessary. 
   5. Manage time. Plan and prepare ahead of time to make the best use of your time together. Have time available for bilingual support (when necessary) and parent questions. Keep all discussions centered around child’s strengths, progress and growth. Provide the parents with preferred mode of communication.

 4 Children Read Alouds

1. Good Job, Little Bear by Martin Waddell.  Little bear is curious. He explores ahead of Big Bear until he stumbles and gets into trouble. He and Big Bear work through the problem and help restore Little Bear’s confidence and sense of adventure.
2. Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin. Pete the Cat can take on any new challenge or situation because he’s got his rockin’ white shoes!
3. I'm Like You, You're Like Me: A book about Understanding and Appreciating Each Other by Cindy Gainer. Celebrate what makes us each special with this book about all types of diversity, from variety in our bodies and appearances, to the differences in who makes up our families.
4. No David! by David Shannon. Join David on his journey of exploring all the things that end in “No, David!” From standing on tiptoes to reach for the cookie jar, to splashing water out of the tub, to breaking mom’s favorite vase. David learns that while the answer may be no, he is still loved.

3 Links to Visit

1. Reading Rockets: Successful Parent-Teacher Conferences with Bilingual Families 
2. Scholastic: Five Keys to Successful Parent-Teacher Communication
3. National Association for the Education of Young Children: Families & Educators Together: Building Great Relationships that Support Young Children

 2 Videos to View

1. Colorado Department of Education: Engaging Families with Video
2. Conscious Discipline: Conscious Communication with Families

 1 Point to Access Research

1. Harvard Graduate School of Education: A New Look at the Parent Teacher Conference 

Questions/Comments: email ECPartnerships@fcps.edu

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