Handling First Parent/Teacher Conference

I'll be attending my first parent/teacher conference ever for my first-grader. What information should I want to get out of this meeting with the teacher? Could you give me basic questions to ask? -- First-Timer
Answer: Because your child is just starting school, you need to find out how he or she is adjusting to first grade. You also want to know if the teacher sees any academic or behavior problems in the short time the teacher has known your child. Here are some questions that should be answered during the conference:
1. Do you feel that my child struggles with any part of the school day?
2. How well does my child get along with his or her classmates and with you?
3. Is my child working at, above or below grade level in class?
4. How would you describe my child's work habits?
5. Can we look over some of my child's work together?
6. Does my child need special help in any academic area?
7. How can I help my child in the problem areas?
During the conference, remember to keep the focus on your child. Do keep in mind the time limit and avoid lengthy discussions of subjects not related to the purpose of the conference.
This conference is just the first step in establishing a working relationship with your child's teacher. Make it clear to the teacher that you want to work closely with him or her to help your child succeed. Be warm and friendly and avoid arguments and criticism of any school personnel or classmates of your child. Set up another conference if all the points that you wished to discuss were not covered at the conference or a more detailed discussion of a problem is required.