Do you have a date for your child’s next parent’s evening on your calendar? Perhaps this is their first-ever parent’s evening, or maybe you’re a veteran of booking appointments with teachers and taking notes.
Whatever your experience with this twice-yearly event, it’s good to know what to expect on the night and how to get the most out of parent’s evening. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on preparing for parent’s evening, what to expect, and the questions you can ask.
Preparing for Parent’s Evening
Parent’s evening is busy! You may only have as little as ten minutes with your child’s teacher. It’s a good idea to do a little preparation before your appointment so that you can make the most of the time you have.
Review Recent Work: Take some time to go through your child’s recent homework, projects, and any feedback they’ve received. This will give you a clearer picture of their academic strengths and areas for improvement.
Talk to Your Child: Ask your child how they feel about school, their classes, and if there are any subjects or issues they’re struggling with. Their insights can guide your conversations with their teachers. No matter what key stage your child is at, these insights can be so valuable.
List Your Questions: Write down any questions or concerns you have in advance. This ensures you won’t forget to address anything important during the meetings. Keep reading for some ideas on what questions to ask.
Check Your Tech: If your child’s school holds their parent’s evening online, you should have been assigned a login and appointment time. Make sure all of your tech, including your laptop, camera, and microphone are set up and working before your appointment to avoid any unnecessary delays or communication struggles.
What to Expect on Parent’s Evening
Parent’s evening typically involves short meetings with each of your child’s teachers. You’ll have the chance to hear about your child’s progress, behaviour, and how well they’re engaging with the subject material.
Teachers might also discuss your child’s strengths, and areas for development, and suggest strategies for support at home. Remember, teachers are there to help, so expect a collaborative atmosphere aimed at enhancing your child’s educational experience.
Questions to Ask on Parent’s Evening
Many parents leave parent’s evening without asking any questions, that’s fine! Think about any concerns or questions you might want to raise before parent’s evening comes around. Your child’s teacher will usually ask you at the end of the appointment whether you have any comments. Of course, you can also put these in an email or speak to the teacher directly if you’d prefer.
To make the most out of parent’s evening, consider asking some of the following questions:
How is my child performing in your class?
This opens up the conversation about your child’s academic performance and engagement in the subject.
What are their strengths and areas for improvement?
Understanding your child’s strengths allows you to encourage them further while identifying areas for improvement can help you provide targeted support at home.
Can you tell me about their behaviour and attitude in class?
It’s important to know how your child interacts with peers and responds to authority, as it can impact their learning environment.
How can I support my child’s learning at home?
Teachers can offer specific advice on reinforcing learning outside of school, whether through additional reading, exercises, or other educational activities.
Are there any resources you recommend to aid their learning?
This could include books, websites, or extracurricular activities that align with the subject matter or address your child’s specific needs.
How does my child handle group work and projects?
Insights into your child’s collaborative skills can inform you about their social interactions and teamwork abilities.
What does my child seem most enthusiastic about in your class?
Knowing what excites and interests your child can be a key to fostering a love of learning. It might also give you some ideas for hobbies outside of school.
Is there anything specific you think I should be aware of?
Teachers might share observations about your child’s well-being, social interactions, or other concerns that aren’t strictly academic but are important for their overall development.
A Valuable Touchpoint
Parent’s evening is more than just a routine check-in; it’s a valuable touchpoint for building a partnership with your child’s teachers and actively participating in their education. By preparing ahead of time, knowing what questions to ask, and understanding what to expect, you can ensure a productive and informative evening that benefits both you and your child.
Remember, the goal of parent’s evening is to support your child’s learning and development. With the right approach, you can leave feeling empowered to help your child navigate their educational journey successfully.
After Parent’s Evening and Beyond: How Tutor Doctor Can Help
If parent’s evening has highlighted any academic concerns or areas where your child is struggling, Tutor Doctor is here to help. Our personalised tutoring services are designed to address specific challenges, boost confidence, and improve performance. Find your local tutor today and discover how we can support your child’s learning journey together.
