Saturday, February 5, 2011

Parent Teacher Conference Ideas

Since I just finished parent teacher conferences I thought I would share my ideas for what I do. First I create a folder for each student in my class. In the folder I have papers organized in the order of what I want to talk about with the parents. PS. I really enjoy parent-teacher conferences and getting to hear what my students go home and tell their parents at school. One reason I feel like PTC goes smoothly for me is if I do have any concerns or issues with a student I have already been talking with that parent and there shouldn't be any surprises. First I start off my telling a "glow" (positive) about their child and then a "grow" something their child can work on. Below is the PDF of what I put in the folder. Last year I used something different to write my positive but my co-worker this year gave me the idea of the glow and grow which I thought was adorable. You can do one for academics and or behavior.



Click HERE  to Download "Glow & Grow"

I was taught to have the parents sit next to you instead of across the table. So I have them sit next to me so we can both go through the folder and talk together.





I also like to give a little thank you to my parents for taking the time to come and conference with me. In the fall I use the water bottles and in the winter I use hot chocolate packets. You can download the pdf at the link below.


Click HERE to download the winter hot coco thank you papers.

Click HERE to download the water bottle thank you pdf.


What do you do for parent teacher conferences? I would love to hear!

24 comments:

  1. Love the new blog. Can't wait to see all your ideas. Some might even come in handy in Primary

    ReplyDelete
  2. Okay so you figured out something I don't know how to do....how do you put your documents into google docs? I'm serious that we should have a blogging party!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very cute ideas! I usually only have 2 or 3 parents show up for conferences which can be discouraging. :( Conferences at my school are at the end of March. Hopefully I'll get a good response and can use some of these ideas!
    http://firstgradebrain.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the glow and grow, but google docs says I don't have permission to view it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Same here. Do you have it set for private viewing? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I just checked google docs it says it is open to those who have the link. Hopefully it works for you!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am still unable to open both the glow and grow and the water bottle templates...

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Kristen, What is your email and I can send you the document. I apologize I'm not sure why google docs isn't bringing it up for you. I have checked the link again and it says it is open to the public.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank you so much!! my email is krmcgonagle@gmail.com

    Thanks againso much!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I was just wondering if you had a chance to send me an email with those documents. I don't mean to bother you, I have parent conferences next week and would love to have the water bottle template. Thanks so much

    again my email is krmcgonagle@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I reposted the thank you water bottle label document. Hopefully it will work for everyone now. :) If not you can always email me nicoleaward@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. This is very interesting data. You have managed to make this very sensible. @bose
    Conference Invitation Template

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hey, nice site you have here! Keep up the excellent work!


    Conference Folders

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love these ideas! Thanks for sharing! I'm your newest follower :)
    Nicole
    Teaching With Style

    ReplyDelete
  15. This is a great idea! Since our conferences are usually in Oct, I put out a basket with good candy inside and a note that reads "There will be no tricks, but please take a treat."
    To help with Conference attendance, I've gotten free pizza certificates from school partners and let the kids know to tell their patents that if they attend they can put their name in for a free pizza drawing. :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. you have wonderful ideas! I love all of them..Could you possibly email the hot cocoa template it refuses to open for me :(

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi Nicole,
    I love your water bottle and hot chocolate ideas.
    As for conferences, I use student-led conferences where the students do the majority of the work. They are so proud to show their parents around and do the interview with them.Each year the students do a Math or language activity with their parents as well. This year we did a baby block glyph which showed details from when they were babies. Built into this was time to meet together to discuss their evaluation sheets and any successes and concerns. I have been doing this method for over 15 years now and it has been so positive. The reflections from the parents have always been very positive and informative. I have a package that I use that includes everything necessary to make the experience a positive one for everyone concerned.

    Charlene/Diamond Mom

    ReplyDelete
  18. I guess that extremelly important is to make parents come, understand how important parents-teacher contact is for the studying process. I'd like to share some thoughts concerning this:
    Parents-teacher contact.
    By the way, I followed you up with GFC, it'd be great if you follow me back.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Impressive! Love the water bottle idea and sitting beside them.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Love your ideas...thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love all of your ideas! Can you please send me the Hot Cocoa packet document to me! I love it, but I am unable to download the document when I click the link. I appreciate it!

    csims24@optonline.net

    ReplyDelete
  22. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi! I love your ideas! I cannot seem to download or open your hot chocolate template. Please send it to me at bessytsakris@gmail.com Thank you!!!

    ReplyDelete