Parents’ evening is the occasion when parents of children at a school are invited to discuss the performance of their children with teachers. Usually held outside the normal school hours or in the evenings, the sessions are designed to discuss more than academic performance; the social interaction and general progress of the child are discussed too. For ten minutes (usually), parents and teachers discuss where a child is at during the term and how best to support that child to continue progressing along their journey.

Because the time allocated to each parent is usually short, parents need to go fully prepared. It is also important to remember that the teacher is there to help you support your child. The child is the reason for the meeting. As such, the conversation should be focused on the child.

By way of preparation, parents can do the following ahead of parents’ evening;

Make sure to take a look at your child’s report card. Most students are going to have their grades ahead of parent’s evening. When the email or report comes through, do well to assess it and note areas that may be a bit vague or that you’re unsure about.

Discuss the report sheet with your child. Find out what they think and how they feel about their performance during the term. Note your child’s concerns for further discussion with the teacher at parents’ evening.

When you go into that meeting ask questions. Teachers want the best out of their students and it’s even much better when parents are on the same page with teachers. So go in prepared, have that conversation and make sure you’re both happy with the outcome. Leave with actionable points to continue supporting your child.

Follow up with the teacher two weeks or a month later for an update, whiles stating actions you the parent have taken to support the child since the discussion at parent evening. This way you’re monitoring your child’s progress collaboratively with the teacher.