It’s that time of year. Thanksgiving Break is so close, yet can feel so far away as conferences loom ahead. Between jam-packed conference schedules, difficult crucial conversations, as well as all the stress that comes with the holidays, you can easily feel overwhelmed.

Here are 5 strategies that I personally used in my own classroom to help avoid some of the dread that can accompany these conferences. Incorporate one or more of these strategies to have a more positive conference experience this year!

Let’s get into it.

1. Communicate Often

   Although this may be a hard one to implement if conferences are coming up soon, it is one you can start incorporating now. Try to make sure you have shared positive stories and information with each parent prior to conferences. This will help lay a positive foundation making it easier to share difficult information if needed. Having a built-in, well-established relationship with that parent will help them better see where you are coming from and they’ll know it is coming from a good place.

   To help communication, you can send a simple progress report (even if not already required by your school) or a student reflection sheet home prior to conferences. It is especially effective if you allow an opportunity for the child to improve upon their current scores or do additional work for extra credit . This helps by giving the parent time to process their students’ progress prior to being in person with you, preventing them from feeling blindsided.

2. Use Visuals

   Just like students, parents benefit from seeing a visual representation of the information you want to share. If possible, include data reports that include graphs and samples of their work. Just be sure to explain the data thoroughly with the parents, noting grade level standards and norms.

   Additionally, consider using a visual organizer that has a snapshot of all of the students’ information and progress. This will serve as a reference sheet for you when explaining the information and also a useful sheet for them to take home.

   Tip: Make two copies of that student’s visual organizer. One for the parents to take and one for you to keep.

3. Have Student Conferences Before Parent Conferences

   Using the same visual organizer you will use with parents (like the one attached), have conferences with your students. This will serve 3 great functions.

   1. You get a practice run with explaining the information and can work out any problems.

   2. You can fill in the data as you have the discussions with students. This will save you time.

   3. Knowing what to expect from the upcoming parent conferences gives them a sense of control. Rather than students feeling surprised or nervous when parents come back from conferences, they feel more prepared and might even initiate conversations with their parents ahead of time about their progress.

4. Be Clear and Concise

   While this might feel like a no-brainer, this is so important. By having the visual organizer and then practicing with students first, it is much easier to stay focused. Come up with a goal you have for each conference. What is the most important specific message that child’s parents need to hear? Make sure that the entire conference reinforces that same message.

5. Leave Parents with a Plan

   Have you ever had a parent ask, “What can I do to help my child?” This is the best question to receive and also one that can leave many teachers wishing they had prepared a better answer ahead of time. I know I’ve been there.

   Be ready for this parent question by making sure you have a written plan for how you will tackle that goal together. It is helpful to create separate action plans for school and home. These plans give the parents hope and practical ways they can help.

Putting it All Together

Click on the image below to see an example of a visual organizer that incorporates many of the strategies mentioned. Between using an organizer like this and practicing these strategies, you will be well-prepared to have your best parent-teacher conferences yet.