Parent-teacher conferences are right around the corner, and it's important to make the most of this valuable opportunity to connect with your child's teacher face to face.

The goal of parent-teacher conferences is to find ways to work together to support your child's success. By taking a few minutes to prepare in advance, you can help facilitate a productive meeting.

Ready to form a beneficial partnership with your child's teacher? Here are a few ways to get there:

Talk to Your Child

Before your conference, check in with your child. See if he has any questions or concerns he'd like you to address with his teacher, and get a sense of his attitude toward the class and teacher. Is your child falling behind, feeling unchallenged, or struggling socially? Knowing this at the onset will help you make the most of your time with his teacher.

Come with Questions

Coming prepared with questions ensures that you leave with all the information you need, and the teacher will appreciate your engagement. Rank your questions from most pressing to least, in case you run out of time to discuss them all.

You will likely have questions about your child's performance in class, academic strengths and weaknesses, and skill levels. However, don't forget about the social element of education. It's essential to talk with your child's teacher about how your child responds to feedback, how she behaves in class and how she gets along with other children. If your child is displaying any behavioral or social issues in class, it will be important to address them at home so she can thrive in the classroom.

Here are some helpful questions to ask during a parent-teacher conference:

• Where does my child excel? Where does he struggle?
• Is my child working up to her ability?
• What are my child's work habits like in the classroom?
• How much homework will my child receive each week? How much should I help him with it?
• Does my child complete and hand in homework on time?
• Does my child seem happy at school?
  
  

If you do not speak English proficiently, you have the right to request an interpreter. Your child should not interpret for you.

Maintain an Open Mind

A good teacher will talk with you honestly about both your child's strengths and her weaknesses. These weaknesses may not be negative, but merely areas for improvement. Take advantage of the opportunity to help your child improve.

If your child's teacher has noticed academic or behavioral problems, don't become defensive. While it can be difficult to hear negative feedback, your cooperation is essential to your child's success. Advocate for your child when needed, but be prepared to take on a supporting role, as well.

If you feel disappointed or frustrated, know that there's no pressure to respond to the teacher's feedback right away. Thank her for the information, and let her know that you're processing it and will follow up.

Create an Action Plan

The most important question you can ask your child's teacher is, "How can I support your efforts at home?"

Work with the teacher to create a short list of goals for your child. Then, decide how you will both contribute to those aims.
For example, if your child is failing to complete and turn in homework, you might instate a "no TV until homework is finished" rule. If she's struggling to make friends at school, you may sign her up for a soccer team or community theater.

Once you have your action plan, check in with your child's teacher throughout the year to measure progress. As long as you're respectful of the teacher's time and expertise, he will appreciate your involvement and support. This type of plan ensures that the goals you discuss in the parent-teacher conference turn into real, measurable progress for your student.

If your child is struggling with academics, your action plan might include outside tutoring. For information on iLearn Academy's certified tutors and personalized learning plans, browse our curriculum. 

Parents and students often gravitate toward one-on-one tutoring because it gives students the individual attention classroom teachers can't provide. However, many students benefit even more from small-group instruction.

Studies show that small-group tutoring is particularly effective for problem-solving skills and targeted skill-building. Furthermore, students who participate in small group tutoring outperform their peers.

Curious about the benefits of group tutoring? Here are three big advantages of enrolling in a small group (besides saving money!).

1. Students Stay Engaged

In a small group, different perspectives and learning styles create a fun, high-energy environment.

If one student is struggling with a concept, another student can explain how she arrived at the correct answer. This makes the session feel less like a lecture and more like a discussion. Students feel motivated to keep up with the group, and each student can use his or her strengths to assist others.

This set-up also removes some pressure when a student is dealing with a challenging skill. Watching another student apply the skill successfully can be a very effective learning tool.

2. Students Stick with It

A friend at the tutoring center is a powerful incentive to keep students working hard and coming back. While short-term tutoring is certainly helpful for a difficult class or test preparation, long-term instruction is what builds the academic strategies that position students for lifelong success.

Long-term tutoring groups offer social and academic support. Students learn from each other's strengths and feel more at ease tackling challenging concepts. With a small group, students are less likely to view tutoring as a chore.

3. Students Build Confidence

For shy children and teens, speaking up in a classroom of 30 students can be daunting. Small groups create an opportunity for students to practice sharing their thoughts in a low-stakes environment. Without so many eyes on them, timid students can start taking small risks, eventually becoming comfortable enough to share their opinions confidently and consistently.

This confidence is essential to students' success in college and the workforce. Many college classes are discussion-based and come with a participation grade, and almost all careers involve some form of public speaking or collaborative discussion. Students who can thoughtfully express their ideas and offer feedback to others will achieve more.

Finding the Right Small Group

Not every small group will be a good fit for your child, even if the other participants are the same age.   

A good tutor will place your child with others at his skill level, but will also take personalities into account. For instance, a highly motivated student may get frustrated if she's working with a student who needs a little more prodding. Conversely, a class clown might settle down if placed in a group with focused students. Your tutor should work with you to find the most helpful placement for your child and her study style.
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To learn more about available math, English and test prep tutoring groups for students in Glenview, Wilmette, Northbrook and the surrounding towns, call 847-834-0791.