 PARENTS–TEACHERS INTEVIEW

 Introduction: Aim of a Parent Teacher Interview Make some final notes Diligently do what you said you would do Keep communicating with parents  AFTER THE INTERVIEW Approach Parents with Positively Use the Feedback Sandwich Note Taking Some Definite DO NOT’S: Closing the interview  DURING THE INTERVIEW Complete an Interview Template Interview Attire Time Management Think about it from the parents’ perspective. Anticipate questions parents might ask. Safety Plan to Diffuse Anger or Aggression Create a welcoming school environment: Plan your physical environment  INTERVEIW PREPARATION Table of Content

Goals for Parent Teacher Interview Must Do’s: Prepare for the interview During Interview Post Parent Teacher interview  SUMMARY OF PRESENTATION

Parent-teacher conferences offer great opportunities to deepen your working relationship with parents. As you highlight their child's strengths, discuss academic or social concerns, and share information about child development, parents come to see you as an ally and themselves as true partners in their child's education. A little thinking and planning will help you make the most of these great opportunities. Introduction:

Interviews should: Discuss academic progress of child Positive comments about the child’s personal performance and application to tasks Outline strengthens both academic, sports and personal Classroom contribution and responsibilities Social interactions with peers Areas to focus on for further development (both academic or personal)

INTERVEIW PREPARATION

Complete an Interview Template

Interview Attire

Time Management Opening conversation ( I always highly recommend that Teachers ask parents if they have any questions that they would like to ask here….) 1 to 1min 30sec: Report on academic progress and concerns 4 minutes: Report on social progress and concerns 2 minutes 30sec: Closing the interview (this is discussed more a little later). 2 minutes 30sec:

Think about it from the parents’ perspective.

Anticipate questions parents might ask.  How is my child doing in your class?  What are their results for each subject?  How does my child’s work compare to the rest of the class?  Do you have any concerns about their academic progress?  Does my child do their homework? Are you satisfied with the quality of their homework?  Does my child listen in class?  Does my child contribute to class discussions? Are they confident talking in front of the whole class?  How are their social skills? Do they get along with other students?  Who are their friends? Who do they play with?  Is my child liked by other students?  Are there any issues in the playground? Do they behave appropriately?  Are there any subjects which my child is reluctant to participate in?  Is there anything else we should know about?  What can we do to help?

Safety Plan to Diffuse Anger or Aggression Step 1: Just Listen Y our first step is to do nothing. Just listen. Step 2: Categorize If the complaint is related to standardized teaching methods, curriculum, school policies, and other areas out of your control. Step 3: Empathize Validate the parent’s feelings by telling them that you understand why they’re upset and why they feel the way they do. Step 4: Take Responsibility Whether or not you’re directly responsible for why the parent is angry is irrelevant. Step 5: Apologize When you take responsibility, it’s only natural, and befitting, to apologize– even if you don’t entirely see things their way.

Create a welcoming school environment: Ensure the classroom is clean and smells fresh. I suggest you have a jug of water and some clean glasses or cups (with bin) for the parents and possibly a plate of mints or biscuits for those parents waiting outside classroom. Have each students books set out at their table, teachers should have notes prepared (bullet points) about each child including personal comments. Displaying student work throughout the building, allocating space where parents can wait comfortably for conferences to begin, having school information in multiple languages and translators available for conferences, As an activity that day at school, have the children complete a writing task where they have to write why they enjoy most about their parents / family. (this will be handed to the parents when you are closing the interview and escorting them out). Have classroom displays out, ensure work from that day on the white board or projector. Ensure that families feel welcomed by considering the following:

Plan your physical environment Think about the layout of the physical space where your interview will be conducted. Personalise the experience.

DURING THE INTERVIEW

Approach Parents with Positively The first 60 seconds of their meeting with parents.

Raise a tricky issue about the student’s behaviour/work Use the Feedback Sandwich Including parents will automatically place them in a team position with you, and work alongside you to resolve the issue.

Note Taking Taking notes shows you are professional and diligent and gives parents an increased level of confidence in your ability to follow through.

Some Definite DO NOT’S: Don’t eat or drink in front of the parents. Don’t enter into an argument with parents. Don’t get flustered. Don’t use definitive statements. Don’t compromise other staff members by criticising them. Don’t talk about other students.

Closing the interview  Thank them for their time  Summarise notes taken during interview  Let them know time frame for a response to follow up if necessary  Give them the personal letter their child made  Shake their hand/s  Escort them to exit.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

Make some final notes Take a minute or two to write down some final thoughts / reflections / notes for follow up.

Your diligence in this will ensure you maintain a healthy professionalism in the eyes of the parent. Diligently do what you said you would do

Keep communicating with parents Look for ways to connect with parents about positive things about their child – they will LOVE the feedback.

SUMMARY OF PRESENTATION The key to have a successful parent – teacher interview start with your own personal goals for the interview and ensure you meet those expectations with authenticity and professionalism. Goals for Parent Teacher Interview : Discuss academic progress of child Positive comments about the child’s personal performance and application to tasks Outline strengthens both academic, sports and personal Classroom contribution and responsibilities Social interactions with peers Areas to focus on for further development (both academic or personal)

Follow through on statements made in interviews Hand out note to parents thank them During Interview Introducing yourself Time management Positive statements Feedback sandwich Ensure you have a policy for diffusing heated discussions Taking notes Closing the interview Post Parent Teacher interview Must Do’s: Prepare for the interview Notes about students using template Set up classroom Set up for waiting parents Personal letter from student to parents

Thank you for participating in this Professional Development presentation for Parent-Teacher Interviews.

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