Making the Most of Parent-Teacher Conferences: A Simple Guide for Families
What to Ask, What to Expect, and How to Feel Prepared
The first parent–teacher conferences of the year are here, and with them often comes a mix of emotions. For many families, this is the first chance to sit face-to-face with a teacher and hear how their child is truly settling into the classroom. That can feel exciting—finally getting a clear picture of how the year is going. But it can also bring up nerves, especially if your child is still adjusting socially or academically, or if you’re seeing challenges at home that don’t seem to match their school experience.
With a short window of time—usually just 10–15 minutes—parents sometimes leave feeling like they still have unanswered questions. The key is going in with a plan so your concerns are addressed, you understand your child’s progress, and you leave feeling confident rather than confused.
Here’s how to make the most of your conference time—and a list of thoughtful, specific questions you can bring with you.
🌼 Before the Conference: Make a Simple Plan
A little preparation goes a long way. Before you walk in, jot down:
Your child’s strengths you want the teacher to know
Any academic or social concerns you’re seeing at home
The most important questions you want answered before you leave
Even if you only bring a few notes, it helps keep the conversation focused and ensures you don’t forget something important in the moment.
📖 Questions to Ask by Topic
Below are parent-friendly, actionable questions organized by the main areas teachers typically discuss. You don’t need to ask all of them—choose the ones that feel relevant to your child.
📚 Literacy
What literacy skills is my child currently confident in? (phonics, decoding, comprehension, writing)
Are there any specific reading or writing skills you’d recommend reinforcing at home?
How is my child participating during Fundations/phonics lessons?
What type of text is my child reading in class? Is that typical for this point in the year?
How does my child approach writing—do you notice stamina, organization, or difficulty with spelling or handwriting?
What comprehension strategies does the class use? How is my child doing with oral vs. independent comprehension?
🔢 Math
How is my child doing with grade-level math concepts right now?
Are there certain math skills (number sense, fluency, problem-solving) that are strengths or areas for support?
How does my child handle math tasks—confidence, frustration, avoidance?
What strategies do you use in the classroom? Is my child able to use these strategies (number lines, manipulatives, decomposition, etc.) independently?
What can we do at home that would best reinforce current math skills?
💛 Social–Emotional / Classroom Behavior
How does my child interact with peers during group work, whole-class time, and play?
How do they handle challenges, transitions, and multi-step directions?
Do they advocate for themselves when they need help?
What strengths do you see in their classroom presence (kindness, leadership, persistence, flexibility)?
How does my child respond to feedback or redirection?
📘 Intervention Groups / Support
Has my child been part of any small-group or intervention instruction this year?
If yes: What skills are being targeted? How often do groups meet, and how is progress monitored?
How was my child identified—screeners, classroom data, or specific assessments?
If not: Are there any skills you’re watching that might need support later in the year?
What progress have you seen so far, and how will you communicate updates?
Is my child able to generalize these skills from small groups into whole-class or independent work?
How can we reinforce these skills at home in simple, manageable ways?
🏫 Overall Engagement & Classroom Experience
What does my child enjoy most about the school day?
Is there anything they seem hesitant or unsure about?
Are there daily routines or habits that would help them be more successful?
📅 If You Leave With Unanswered Questions
It’s completely okay—expected, even—to need a follow-up conversation.
If something still feels unclear or a plan is in place (especially for students receiving intervention), ask to:
Check in again in a few weeks
Schedule a longer follow-up meeting
Send an email with lingering questions
Teachers want to connect with families. As a former teacher myself, building relationships with parents was my favorite part of the job. Time constraints during conferences sometimes made that difficult, but when families reached out afterward, I was always grateful—they were advocating, asking and collaborating. That’s exactly what we want: strong partnership between home and school.
🌿 Still Feeling Like You Need More?
I’ve created a free, one-page conference guide you can download to bring with you, plus I’m always here if you want to chat through your child’s specific needs. Email me at katygleavy@wildflowerparents.com to set up a call today!
Parent–teacher conferences don’t have to feel overwhelming—when you go in with clarity and confidence, they become a powerful opportunity to support your child across home and school.
