Tips for Family-Teacher Conferences
Five Tips for Family-Teacher Conferences
Family-Teacher Conferences are an important part of nurturing a strong home-school partnership. Developing a spirit of trust and collaboration will lead to stronger communication and proactive support all year long. Here are tips that will help your family-teacher conference go more smoothly.
Preparing for the Family-Teacher Conference
Set The Stage with Happy Mail
In the days or weeks leading up to your conferences, plan to send at least one positive communication to every family. This could be a note in a “Take Home Folder” or a message through your program’s communication platform. There’s no wrong way to send Happy Mail! Your note or photo caption can mention a learning leap, a skill success, or a friendship milestone. It could be as simple as, “I noticed Evie let a younger child have a turn on the swing even though she was very excited to be next.” Starting the year with Happy Mail means that every family will have at least one positive communication from their child’s teacher before conference time.
Celebrate Specific Successes
Be prepared with photos, anecdotal notes, or work samples to bring classroom success to life! Families don’t always realize the significance of moments that signal growth. Two photos that capture skills “then” and “now” are a meaningful way to translate incremental growth--what teachers get to see every day--into a clear developmental progression for families. Being able to show more than tell helps convey what is significant about their child’s development.
Hosting the Family-Teacher Conference
Collaborate on Hopes and Dreams
While programs often use specific templates or protocols for family conferences, consider starting the conversation by inviting families to share hopes and dreams for their child’s year. I’ve been the grateful recipient of so many kernels of insight thanks to this prompt. Removing the “school” language and asking for “hopes and dreams” seemed to activate heart-centered responses that better informed my support of family’s priorities for their children. Keep notes on their responses so that you can revisit this information throughout the year.
Timers for the Win!
Teachers and families rarely have as much time together as they might like. Begin your conference by setting a timer, letting families know that it will go off with a portion of time remaining. “When the timer chimes, we’ll know that we have five more minutes together.” At that point, teachers can invite any important thoughts or questions that remain unaddressed. If the timer alerts in the middle of a conversation that would genuinely benefit from more discussion, use remaining time together to schedule a follow-up.
After the Family-Teacher Conference
Schedule Moments for Yourself
Conference blocks require a different kind of energy than teaching days. While family conferences can be energizing and inspiring, being out of a regular routine can feel taxing. Be sure to schedule breaks for snacks, movement, or some breathing and stretching. Find a moment to fill your cup and so you can return to your remaining conferences feeling refreshed.
In Summary
While scheduled family-teacher conference times are important anchors throughout the year, a sustained thread of communication helps keep families connected and engaged. More complex conversations and concerns are best discussed one-on-one but sending notes home or chatting via your communication platform are great ways to share quick stories, photos, and positive updates. A steady flow of connection is a great way to nurture trust and partnership.
Find more family-teacher conference tips here.
Christine Murray is an Early Childhood Education Specialist with Becker’s Education Team.
As an educator, coach and leader, Christine is inspired by the curiosity, joy and wonder that children so generously model for us. She earned her M.A. in Innovative Early Childhood Education at the University of Colorado Denver and loves collaborating with and supporting others in the field. Grounded in relationships and guided by empathy, Christine is always learning, connecting and creating.