Effective Teacher/Parent conferences tip: Use "Compliment sandwiches" but be sincere and honest - Give a compliment of what the child does well, then mention an area of improvement, then another positive feedback about an area of strength. #engagechat
I was busy scheduling tweets using Tweetdeck for tomorrow morning's #BookCampPD session and noticed @Rdene915 post for this chat. Multi-tasking is good #engagechat
Minus 4 degrees C here in Ireland as we approach mid Winter on Dec 21 st.We go to work in darkness and return in darkness.We have 5 hours daylight #Engagechat
A1 An effective parent conference starts with the premise that parent and teacher are equal partners, both with vested interests in their student's success. #EngageChat
A1: Effective listening, highlighting Ss positives, addressing parent concerns, getting ss involved in goal setting- The main focus is the child #engagechat
A1. Effective is two way communication where the families are asking great questions and an educator feels relaxed and comfortable sharing responses. #engagechat
A1: Effective listening, highlighting Ss positives, addressing parent concerns, getting ss involved in goal setting- The main focus is the child #engagechat
A1. Effective is two way communication where the families are asking great questions and an educator feels relaxed and comfortable sharing responses. #engagechat
A1:welcoming/positive Ss centered environment where progress & growth are discussed, T ask questions & listens, and a plan for future success is made with Ss included. #EngageChat
A1 one where communication is open, all parties contribute, listen to one another, comfortable and welcoming envt, focus on Ss growth and goal setting #engagechat
A1a: Having just completed these, a chance to hear from Ps & address any questions/concerns. Share honestly re: updates on Ss progress, growth #Engagechat
A1. IF the relationship between the family and the educators working with the student happened - hopefully- BEFORE the school year began and continues at least each week all year long then what is the best topics to cover? #engagechat
A1: student led. With evidence to support them. If its just parent and teacher only the hope is this conference builds on previous communications.
#engagechat
A1:welcoming/positive Ss centered environment where progress & growth are discussed, T ask questions & listens, and a plan for future success is made with Ss included. #EngageChat
A1 one where communication is open, all parties contribute, listen to one another, comfortable and welcoming envt, focus on Ss growth and goal setting #engagechat
A1. Perhaps as we all become better at using all forms of social media to communicate more effectively and meet families frequently in the community conferences as they use to be will shift their focus. #engagechat
A1 Bringing the parent on as a partner. Open communication. Parent leaves feeling positive about the plan of action for their child. Teacher communicates their commitment to S. #engagechat
A1: I have a few ideas on this! I want PT conferences to be a time to focus on STRENGTHS and build confidence. Areas of improvement and behaviors shouldn't wait for conferences to be addressed! Kids need to hear how AWESOME they are! #engagechat
A1: I think it has to begin with our asking Ps what they would like to know, listening and reponding to them. As well, I think it's not only about academics. I think we have an obligation to show we know the kid on a human level, too. #engagechat
A1: I have a few ideas on this! I want PT conferences to be a time to focus on STRENGTHS and build confidence. Areas of improvement and behaviors shouldn't wait for conferences to be addressed! Kids need to hear how AWESOME they are! #engagechat
A1 An effective parent teacher conference is not a teacher taking control, it is listening and respect for what the parent says and responding based on this output. #engagechat
A1: I think it has to begin with our asking Ps what they would like to know, listening and reponding to them. As well, I think it's not only about academics. I think we have an obligation to show we know the kid on a human level, too. #engagechat
A2 Be attentive when they ask the student about their day, and have them expand on what they share. Have students retell the parent what is happening in the story that they are reading. #engagechat
A2 Be involved daily in their education: check grades, ask about friendships, ask about teachers, don't wait until something negative happens to get involved #engagechat
A2: Link the parents to their child’s Google Classroom. Attach videos, websites, worksheet, surveys to bring the parent virtually to the classroom. #engagechat
A2 Be attentive when they ask the student about their day, and have them expand on what they share. Have students retell the parent what is happening in the story that they are reading. #engagechat
#Engagechat A2. Continuous communication between P and T and S..Help with what should be happening..i.e. Reading expectation, using tech program at home
A2: Be engaged, ask questions, communicate with the Ts. I stay organized by using Padlet to give my Ss, Ps, and myself organized. Many parents follow along! #engagechat
A2:Ps can stay updated with what is happening in the classroom via website, social media, newsletter, email, etc. Also, ensure Ss have time to devote to schoolwork and, if possible, place to study #engagechat
A2: Key strategies for parents...engage in conversation with their children daily and read with them...make it about quality time instead of worrying too much about quantity...children must know parents care! #engagechat
A2 Be involved daily in their education: check grades, ask about friendships, ask about teachers, don't wait until something negative happens to get involved #engagechat
A2 Share with Ps any of the tools you use/strategies that help, so they can support Ss at home, talking about the day, what Ss did in school/ask what Ss are learning, look at materials, help reinforce content #engagechat
A1: An effective conference should include the student's self assessment and very specific strengths and weaknesses as well as the strategies that will be used to address the weaknesses. #engagechat
A2 Talk about their day, read together every night, read all communications from school, attend family nights/School functions, be present with your child! #engagechat
A2 Parents taking time out of their day to listen their kids is vital so there is not a disconnect and teaching children time management to balance fun and school work. #engagechat
A2. This is one of my favorites! From - https://t.co/cqA93iB5RR - please note if you go to that web site you can also access it in Spanish. Sure would be great to hand out during conferences or ANY time! #engagechat
A2) Everyday when I dropped my kids off my only salutation was, "Ask good questions." Was very pleased when they began returning home to say,"Dad, I asked a good question today." #EngageChat
A2 Share with Ps any of the tools you use/strategies that help, so they can support Ss at home, talking about the day, what Ss did in school/ask what Ss are learning, look at materials, help reinforce content #engagechat
A2: For me, I want parents to engage their kids about what we are doing in class. A lot of parents follow my blog, so they have a good idea about what's going on. I don't need parents to "help" kids but I do want them to take an interest and connect with their kids. #Engagechat
A2:Have a positive attitude about education, encourage Ss to read(silently & out loud), monitor tv/phone time, ask Ts for websites to reinforce skills, & help Ss set a schedule. #EngageChat
A2: show Ps how skills can be reinforced/expanded on with simple activities. Ps shouldn’t feel like they have to be edu experts to help their child(ren) #Engagechat
A2. Here are some additional ideas. You could post on school's web site, send home in weekly class newsletter, weebly, whatever works for you? #engagechat
A2: Help students make a schedule for home tasks. Establish a guidance protocol. Decide how and where you will help, always trying to empower the learner. #engagechat
A teacher @ChowanMiddle has started recording herself completing common core math problem so parents can help their child the way it is being taught in class. #engagechat
A2. Here are some additional ideas. You could post on school's web site, send home in weekly class newsletter, weebly, whatever works for you? #engagechat
A2. Here are some additional ideas. You could post on school's web site, send home in weekly class newsletter, weebly, whatever works for you? #engagechat
What an awesome convo!
A2: encourage family engagement over helping kids with skills/homework. Play math/board games. Eat dinner together. Read as a family (to, with, beside). Go outside!
#EngageChat
A2. Now what I would >really< love is for everyone to read this book, get a couple of parents to work with students and start a classroom online book club where students share what they are reading. #engagechat
A2: Best advice I can think of: keep the communication open, let your child fail at things and then learn from it, support him/her in the learning #engagechat
A teacher @ChowanMiddle has started recording herself completing common core math problem so parents can help their child the way it is being taught in class. #engagechat
A2: I use social media, a class blog, the Remind app, and email to keep parents in the loop with what we are doing in class so they can provide the best support at home. #engagechat
A3 I always loved calling and inviting them in. Talking about both the good and areas that could be improved. Have found it is key to learn about their needs, concerns, hopes and dreams for their student. #EngageChat
A3: Establish a working relationship right from the start. Then when you conference, they are already at ease with you. Make the room Ps friendly and don't use a lot of Ts jargon. #engagechat
A3: Always lead with gratitude to them and their student. I always thank them for sharing their kiddo with us and let them know how I treasure that. #engagechat
What an awesome convo!
A2: encourage family engagement over helping kids with skills/homework. Play math/board games. Eat dinner together. Read as a family (to, with, beside). Go outside!
#EngageChat
A3 Have students work displayed, be on time, be welcoming, let them talk without interrupting (listening), and remain authentic throughout. #engagechat
A3: Thank them for coming. Ask them how they are; how their day has been; follow up on something they shared previously (family event, vacation, etc.) #Engagechat
A3: Always lead with gratitude to them and their student. I always thank them for sharing their kiddo with us and let them know how I treasure that. #engagechat
A3 Teachers should welcome parents, addressing them by name and asking about any concerns first, actively listening to responses -- all this before jumping in with information from teacher's perspective. #EngageChat
A3: I always show great interest in knowing about goals/hopes/dreams parents have for their children, how they feel about their child’s learning progress and any suggestions they may have for ‘next steps’. #engagechat
A3: it starts way before the conferences. Relationships start day 1. A conference is just a "formal" meeting. Conferences should be a time to solidify the work already being done between the school and family.
#engagechat
A3: Student reflection videos! I love using https://t.co/d8BbZaFJhU with my students to capture personal reflections on their learning! I always throw a couple fun questions in also to break the ice! The answers are so fun to hear! #engagechat
A3: Student reflection videos! I love using https://t.co/d8BbZaFJhU with my students to capture personal reflections on their learning! I always throw a couple fun questions in also to break the ice! The answers are so fun to hear! #engagechat
A3) Comfort has to be created before the parent conference. Create some sort dialogue with the parents before the meeting. It is very easy to become defensive and off guard when a group of teachers are telling you a lot of negative things about their child. #engagechat
A3:Snacks/treats make everyone feel welcomed! A warm smile, Ss work, encouraging them to visit the class, & genuinely knowing their child helps! #EngageChat
A3 thank the guardians for partnering with you-compliment the child - share some work samples both successes and struggles and ask for parent input relaying that they know the student best #engagechat
A3 Do NOT sit behind the desk, this creates a barrier meaning we are the authority. Be personal do not just drop everything you want to talk about when they walk in, ask them about their lives. Meaningful connections go beyond students. #engagechat
Sandwiches/snacks, smile, a spot to talk to the teacher with chairs facing the teacher, take a genuine interest in what the child shares with parents about school e.g. "What is your child's favourite subject, and why? How does your child feel about school?" #engagechat
A3) Daughter, 5th Grade; T said sit at your child's desk. Daughter's name on no desk. After some embarrassing questions about correct rooms, found out daughter changed her name & entire class knew her by a different name. No comfort possible after that. #EngageChat
A3 Do NOT sit behind the desk, this creates a barrier meaning we are the authority. Be personal do not just drop everything you want to talk about when they walk in, ask them about their lives. Meaningful connections go beyond students. #engagechat
A3 Do NOT sit behind the desk, this creates a barrier meaning we are the authority. Be personal do not just drop everything you want to talk about when they walk in, ask them about their lives. Meaningful connections go beyond students. #engagechat
A3: Keeping it positive, welcoming them with a smile, answering their questions patiently, keeping calm, being open minded, avoiding teacher talk. It also helps to look at things from parent perspective #engagechat
A3 Greet them at door, be open with conversation, positive, set up a comfortable space to talk, not separated by a desk, have some of Ss work avail, #engagechat
@R_CILR I had to search for a bit but I located these photos where our amazing kinder teacher had her students lead the conferences and share with their families what they had been learning. SO many smiles! #engagechat
#engagechat Some Ps had bad experiences as Ss so sitting behind a desk may not be too wise whether the messages are positive or not. Want them to be at ease and chilled out!
A3: I always begin with positive and personal conversation about the child to make the parent comfortable. Relationships are key! Then I discuss the student's self assessment before I ease into strengths and weaknesses. #engagechat
A3: Have toys and books available for various ages so if they have younger children, they can be engaged with the conference while the kids are entertained! #EngageChat
A3: Save hard conversations about behavior for another conference. The family conference time should be for celebrating success and setting goals for future growth. #EngageChat
A4 The administration @ChowanMiddle post a parent newsletter on our FB page to keep parents informed of important dates. Ts sent home weekly folders and use class dojo
#engagechat
Group projects can be shared via blogs, facebook, twitter. Individual progress can be shared via weekly notes in the diary, email to parent, notes kept on student work which parents can access with username and pw, certificates for awesome work #engagechat#k12#educhat
A4: I use social media to highlight the positives and exceptional performances. Padlet keeps everyone organized, email, Remind, and FlipGrid keep us all connected. #engagechat
A4 Teachers should be in regular communication with parents, not just when problems force contact. If parents are on social media, teachers should tap into those avenues as well. #EngageChat
#engagechat P/T conferences are more comfortable when the T has already called home w/ positive feedback or has made a check-in phone call several weeks prior to the meeting.
A4 Send a newsletter home or something creative w/ @Buncee , or when Ss create something share it with Ps by posting on class site, I use @edmodo or on a Padlet, share pics of Ss working/activ #engagechat
A4: we have advisory teachers that send home weekly reports on each student. When a student completes a course I send home a personal message. Every week I send home a week in review and the week to come report.
#engagechat
A4: Instagram handle for the classroom. MS is quite different from Elem, &parents are always surprised when a MS teacher connects in ways other than negative calls.#engagechat
A4 Make it a habit, ask them what they need/want to know andtheir best thoughts on how it could be shared. By utilizing their insights/ideas they can be much more receptive. #EngageChat
I am an avid user of Social Media ... I also have many of the parents phone numbers ... If parents want to know it is there for them, but I am not going to blow up their phones. #engagechat
A4 I use DDQs -Dinner Discussions Questions sent home via Remind - timely questions designed to solicit deep conversation around the learning of the day/week & sometimes respond to me. #engagechat
A4: I use social media to highlight the positives and exceptional performances. Padlet keeps everyone organized, email, Remind, and FlipGrid keep us all connected. #engagechat
A4. Please shift toward the future and grab hold of this book. Crammed with ideas of how students can share about the progress they are making. >THIS< book is a game changer! #engagechat
A4: I encourage teachers to make positive calls home on a regular basis, choosing a few families a week to speak with. This helps build trust and relationships!
#EngageChat
A4 I use DDQs -Dinner Discussions Questions sent home via Remind - timely questions designed to solicit deep conversation around the learning of the day/week & sometimes respond to me. #engagechat
A4 We must remember that some parents did not have a good school experience when they were growing up. You have to let them in the window in order for them to wish they had a teacher like you when they were in school. #Engagechat
A5) In the classroom many teachers at my school including myself use Remind 101 to inform parents of updates such as grade changes and also to provide reminders about upcoming activities or due dates. #engagechat
A4 We must remember that some parents did not have a good school experience when they were growing up. You have to let them in the window in order for them to wish they had a teacher like you when they were in school. #Engagechat
A4 One of the newest ideas I saw on my field was post cards to parents, the teachers fill out the back and the school send them through the mail. Using @BloomzApp you can also give points and make post about students only teachers and parents can see. #engagechat
A3 Do not use a lot of education lingo that confuses parents. Also, be honest about student's progress. Although parents do want to hear how nice and respectful their child is, they also want realistic feedback and suggestions for improvement. #engagechat
A4: Get students FIRED UP about their progress, and encourage them when they need an extra push! Be their cheerleader and they'll pass it on! Social media shout-outs are awesome too! #engagechat
A4 We must remember that some parents did not have a good school experience when they were growing up. You have to let them in the window in order for them to wish they had a teacher like you when they were in school. #Engagechat
I think knowing the time allotted helps, along with telling families you set a timer in order to honor their time, and to keep yourself on schedule! #engagechat
A3 Do not use a lot of education lingo that confuses parents. Also, be honest about student's progress. Although parents do want to hear how nice and respectful their child is, they also want realistic feedback and suggestions for improvement. #engagechat
A4 One of the newest ideas I saw on my field was post cards to parents, the teachers fill out the back and the school send them through the mail. Using @BloomzApp you can also give points and make post about students only teachers and parents can see. #engagechat
A3 Do not use a lot of education lingo that confuses parents. Also, be honest about student's progress. Although parents do want to hear how nice and respectful their child is, they also want realistic feedback and suggestions for improvement. #engagechat
#engagechat Vocaroo is a great website to use if you want to send a recorded message. I use it prior to the school year to introduce myself and welcome everyone to the course.
I also would like to encourage those in the chat to consider shifting the verbiage you use from parents to families. Many of our students don't have parents but they all have families who care very much for them. #engagechat
#engagechat Vocaroo is a great website to use if you want to send a recorded message. I use it prior to the school year to introduce myself and welcome everyone to the course.
Congrats to @MrsOConnellHHST for winning the Amazon Echo Dot!
We had so much fun giving back to educators that are the hardest working professionals we decided to keep on giving w/ our TwoGuys 25 Days of Christmas Giveaway! Stay tuned for your chance to win! #engagechat
A5: Have an "open door policy." Make it easy for Ps to shadow Ss. Brainstorm different ways for Ps to become more involved. Ask Ps for feedback on issues. Make them a part of the school and they'll feel it. #engagechat
A5 We changed our open house to the night before school starts, instead of two weeks in. This allows Ps to meet the teachers, get all contact info (sign up for @ClassDojo), and drop off necessary supplies. #Engagechat
A5 School leaders should make a point of engaging with parents themselves. Their example sets the organizational culture and standard, signaling it's OK and encouraged that others should follow. #EngageChat
A5: be on the forefront of parent inactions and communications. I get out and great families daily. Before a student begins in our program we have an intake meeting to meet families, introduce them to staff, students, and our learning environment.
#engagechat
Celebrate, communicate, and share using social media to make the vision transparent. This is HUGE! It tears down the walls of the schools and makes families and the community feel a part. Facebook Page, Instagram, and Twitter are great branding tools! #engagechat
A5 We changed our open house to the night before school starts, instead of two weeks in. This allows Ps to meet the teachers, get all contact info (sign up for @ClassDojo), and drop off necessary supplies. #Engagechat
A5: SEEK out what the families need in your school and PROVIDE it to them! INVITE them in to be a part of a learning community and school family! Build relationships!! ❤️ #engagechat
A5; I believe one way a school leader can promote parent engagement is by talking with and getting to know parents at school events and in the hallways at school. #engagechat
Celebrate, communicate, and share using social media to make the vision transparent. This is HUGE! It tears down the walls of the schools and makes families and the community feel a part. Facebook Page, Instagram, and Twitter are great branding tools! #engagechat
A5. ALWAYS making parents feel welcome. Admin can beg for parent engagement and then complain about parents who don't parent like we would. #engagechat
A5 ~ We use Remind to send out highlights about students and learning! Also, providing parents with appropriate supports (college planning, safe driving, etc)...recording and posting to YouTube for the working parent/guardian. #engagechat
Yes! This is essential and leaves the drama behind. Someone said in a blog last week “don’t shoot the dead guy”, huge when talking abt those who have moved to a new position. #EngageChat
I dump a pile of building blocks on the floor and I have a table of Legos. It is a great distraction and the parents can focus on our convo! #EngageChat
A3: Have toys and books available for various ages so if they have younger children, they can be engaged with the conference while the kids are entertained! #EngageChat
A5: A warm and welcoming office staff, a weekly recorded call, family + community events, and monthly coffee and conversation sessions for Q&A. #engagechat
A5) ONE role of a leader is to remove all possible obstacles that confront the team. The school leaders should be attuned to the sense of the faculty and admin and their perception of obstacles to be removed. #EngageChat
A5 Reach out and be present (physically and mentally) in all sorts of formal and informal places. Sports games, art shows, concerts. Even Community meetings. #EngageChat
A5. ALWAYS making parents feel welcome. Admin can't beg for parent engagement and then complain about parents who don't parent like we would. #engagechathttps://t.co/if44gfp1gt
A5: @CentralCabotpK4 has worked diligently to shift the mindset from parent involvement to family and community engagement. There is a huge difference between the two! #EngageChat
A5: COFFEE. Who doesn't like coffee? Seriously though, we used to have a parent coffee a few mornings per year. It was a low key and delicious way to connect with parents! #engagechat
Have a system to educate parents about the mission and vision of the school, communication to keep parents posted about happenings in the school, making themselves approachable to parents #engagechat
