Questions To Ask At A Parents Evening

Let's face it, parents evenings can be a bit daunting, especially if you're a new parent or if your child is just starting at a new school. You want to make a good impression, but at the same time, you want to get as much information as possible about your child's progress. It's a bit like going on a first date, but instead of trying to impress your partner, you're trying to get the inside scoop on your child's education!

So, why is it so important to ask questions at a parents evening? Well, for starters, it shows that you're interested in your child's education and that you care about their progress. It's also a great way to get a deeper understanding of what your child is doing in school and how you can support them at home. Think of it like being a sports coach, you need to know the game plan to help your child win!

Before The Meeting

Before you even get to the parents evening, it's a good idea to do some prep work. Talk to your child about what they like and don't like about school, what their favorite subjects are, and what they're struggling with. This will give you a good idea of what questions to ask and what areas to focus on during the meeting. It's like doing your research before buying a new car, you want to know what you're looking for and what questions to ask the salesperson!

Make a list of questions that you want to ask, and don't be afraid to add or remove them as you go along. Some good questions to ask might include: what are my child's strengths and weaknesses? What can I do to support their learning at home? Are there any areas where my child is struggling? It's like having a checklist for a road trip, you want to make sure you've got everything you need before you set off!

Example Questions

Here are a few example questions that you might want to ask at a parents evening. What are the teacher's expectations for my child's grade level? How will my child be assessed and what are the criteria for success? Are there any extracurricular activities or clubs that my child can get involved in? It's like asking your friend for restaurant recommendations, you want to know what's good and what's not!

Remember, the goal of a parents evening is to have a conversation with the teacher, not an interrogation! It's okay to ask tough questions, but also be open to hearing the teacher's perspective and feedback. It's like having a discussion with a friend, you want to listen to their point of view and share your own thoughts and feelings.

What Questions Should I Ask at a Parents Evening? - Twinkl

DURING The Meeting

During the meeting, try to listen actively to what the teacher is saying. Take notes if you need to, and don't be afraid to ask for clarification if you're not sure about something. It's like watching a movie, you want to pay attention to the plot and characters, not just the special effects!

The teacher may also have some questions for you, so be prepared to talk about your child's home life and how they're doing outside of school. This is a great opportunity to share any relevant information that might help the teacher understand your child better. It's like sharing a story with a friend, you want to give them the context and background information so they can understand the whole picture!

Be Open Minded

It's also important to be open-minded during the meeting. You might hear some things that you don't want to hear, or that you disagree with. But try to listen without judgment and keep an open mind. It's like trying a new food, you might not like it at first, but you can't knock it until you try it!

Editable Parents' Evening Checklist (teacher made) - Twinkl

Remember, the teacher is there to help your child succeed, and they want to work with you to make that happen. So, try to be positive and collaborative, and avoid being defensive or critical. It's like being part of a team, you want to work together towards a common goal!

AFTER The Meeting

After the meeting, take some time to reflect on what was discussed. Think about what you learned, what you're going to do differently, and what you're going to follow up on. It's like writing a to-do list after a meeting at work, you want to make sure you don't forget anything important!

You might also want to follow up with the teacher to check in on your child's progress or to ask additional questions. This shows that you're invested in your child's education and that you care about their success. It's like checking in with a friend after a big event, you want to see how they're doing and if they need any support!

Lastly, don't forget to communicate with your child about what was discussed during the meeting. They might have questions or concerns, and it's a good opportunity to reinforce positive behaviors and address any issues. It's like having a family meeting, you want to make sure everyone is on the same page!