Q: My parent-teacher conference was rushed. Do I ask to meet again?
Skills
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It is not uncommon for teachers to have up to 30 children in their classroom, which can make it difficult for teachers to give students – and parents – the personalized attention they need. While it is important for you to keep this in mind, you should always feel comfortable contacting your child’s teacher with any concerns that you have. If it is not possible for your child’s teacher to meet with you again, ask if it would be okay to send him/her your questions over email. This allows your child’s teacher to answer your questions and concerns at his/her convenience. Regardless of whether you meet in person or discuss your concerns over email, it is important to be as specific as possible and use a constructive, positive tone to avoid making your child’s teacher respond defensively. If you meet your child’s teacher in person, be sure to prepare questions in advance to help use your time wisely.
Jennie Ito, Ph.D.
Child Development Expert
Jennie Ito is a mother of two and a child development consultant who specializes in children’s play and toys. Before becoming a consultant for LeapFrog, she was an intern at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, and later worked as a content expert for the Association of Children’s Museum’s “Playing for Keeps” Play Initiative. Jennie earned her doctorate degree in developmental psychology at Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada.