Parents’ evening is a valuable opportunity to connect with your child’s teachers, gain insights into their academic progress, and discuss any concerns or areas for improvement. It’s a chance to work together with the school to ensure your child is getting the most out of their education.
However, with limited time during these meetings, it’s essential to ask the right questions to make the most of the conversation. Here are five key questions this sixth form college in Hertfordshire suggests you raise at parents’ evening to get a well-rounded understanding of your child’s school experience.
1. How Is My Child Performing Academically?
One of the most fundamental questions to ask is about your child’s academic performance. While report cards provide a snapshot of their grades, it’s important to dig deeper:
- Are they meeting the expectations for their age and grade level?
- Which subjects are they excelling in, and where do they need more support?
- Have you noticed any changes in their performance compared to the previous term?
This question helps you understand not just where your child stands academically, but also how they are progressing over time. It can also reveal any early signs of struggles in certain areas that might need additional attention at home or through extra support from the school.
2. How Does My Child Engage in Class?
Academic performance is only one part of the picture; understanding your child’s behaviour and engagement in the classroom is equally important. Ask about their participation and interaction with both teachers and peers:
- Does my child actively participate in class discussions?
- How do they handle group work or collaborative tasks?
- Are they focused and attentive during lessons?
This question can give you insights into your child’s confidence, social skills, and overall enthusiasm for learning. It can also highlight any potential issues, such as shyness, distractions, or difficulties with peer relationships, that may not be evident at home.
3. What Are My Child’s Strengths and Areas for Improvement?
Teachers spend a significant amount of time with your child, often seeing them in ways that you might not at home. Ask for their perspective on your child’s strengths and areas where they could improve:
- What are my child’s key strengths, both academically and personally?
- Are there specific areas where they could benefit from additional support or development?
- How can we support these strengths and address challenges at home?
Understanding your child’s strengths can help you encourage them in the right direction, while also working on areas where they may need improvement. This question also opens up a conversation about strategies and resources that can be used at home to support their growth.
4. How Is My Child’s Emotional and Social Well-being?
A child’s emotional and social well-being is crucial for their overall development and can significantly impact their academic success. It’s important to get a sense of how your child is feeling and interacting in the school environment:
- How does my child get along with their classmates?
- Have there been any issues with bullying, exclusion, or friendship difficulties?
- Do they seem happy and well-adjusted at school?
This question can uncover any social or emotional issues that might be affecting your child’s experience at school. If any concerns are raised, it’s essential to work with the teacher and the school to develop a plan to support your child’s well-being.
5. What Can We Do at Home to Support My Child’s Learning?
Parents play a vital role in supporting their child’s education outside of the classroom. Asking for specific advice on how you can help at home shows that you’re committed to your child’s success:
- What kind of activities or exercises can we do at home to reinforce what they’re learning in school?
- Are there any resources or tools (books, websites, apps) that you recommend?
- How can we establish effective study habits or routines at home?
Teachers can offer valuable insights into how you can complement their efforts in the classroom, whether it’s through homework support, additional reading, or educational games. This collaborative approach ensures that your child receives consistent support in all aspects of their education.
Parents’ evening is a crucial touchpoint in your child’s education, providing you with an opportunity to engage with their teachers and understand their school life more comprehensively. By asking these five key questions, you can gain a deeper understanding of your child’s academic progress, behaviour, and wellbeing, while also learning how to better support them at home. Remember, the goal of parents’ evening is to build a strong partnership with the school that will help your child thrive both academically and personally.