It's about that time where your program is in the midst of completing the Collection Reports for Work Sampling and sharing the child's progress with parent(s). Below are a few tips in helping transition into preparing for parent-teacher conferences as well as methods for sharing feedback.
A reminder to yourself while observing your students and sharing information with parents about the child's work.
Our 4K classrooms use “Authentic Performance Assessment” which means assessing children while they are applying their knowledge and skills in a situation or to a task that is meaningful to them and that is within the range of typical classroom activity. Performance assessment is authentic because it is not set apart from daily learning.
You, as the teacher, can either do spontaneous observations of activities to get an idea of children’s knowledge and skills, or they can plan activities or assigned tasks so they can observe and “document” the outcomes. When the outcomes are documented, you make it possible for others to “see” the learning and development that is taking place.
Documentation is “evidence” of learning and development. Examples of documentation include observations made by the teacher and recorded as anecdotal notes, photographs of activities, products the child makes or produces, stories of learning experiences in activities, projects and units, records of problem solving attempts, and so on.
You, the teacher, “share the story” of the daily activities by displaying some of their documentation on the bulletin boards, walls, shelves and open floor spaces in the classroom. The displays are the part of documentation that demonstrate to parents and visitors what children noticed, wondered, explored and discovered in their daily activities. Displays are the part of documentation that makes children’s work visible within the classroom and school.
FOUR REASONS FOR REGULAR CONFERENCES:
*To facilitate a balanced examination of all aspects of development.
*To provide uninterrupted and privacy for conversation.
*To facilitate a free-flowing exchange of questions and information and to increase mutual knowledge and respect.
*To provide the opportunity to formulate and coordinate goals and plans.
STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCES:
*Help parents feel at ease- make the environment comfortable for them.
*Begin with a positive attitude and end with a positive attitude!
*Encourage parent participation-ask them open-ended questions during the conference.
*Summarize the conference for the parent. Feel free to use the above information about portfolios and conferences to help parents understand the importance of their involvement in the child's classroom learning experiences.
PITFALLS TO AVOID FOR A SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCE:
*Avoid using technical terminology....parents may not always understand words like sensorimotor or 10th percentile.
*Avoid the role of "Expert". Be cautious of "I think" phrases.
*Avoid negative evaluations. ALWAYS stay away from the words: problem, behind, immature, never, can't, slow, failing. Remember these words are subjective. Suggestion: Instead of: Jimmy doesn't like art.
Try: Jimmy usually chooses to play in blocks, building large buildings, and adding trucks and people to the scene. I have seen him choose to use art materials twice in the past two months.
*Avoid unprofessional conversations.
*Avoid giving advice. Unless you are an expert or doctor, your best bet is to provide suggestions after encouraging parents to help come up with strategies.
In closing, here is a quick reference list for successful conferences.
TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCES
1. Prepare carefully before the conference by considering the individual child's progress and documentation.
2. Ensure privacy.
3. Provide an informal setting.
4. Be mindful of parents' time.
5. Establish rapport.
6. Begin on a positive note.
7. Encourage the parents to talk.
8. Listen attentively.
9. Develop an attitude of mutual cooperation.
10. Delay making suggestions yourself.
11. Encourage suggestions from parents.
12. Summarize points covered.
13. Make plans together for future action.
14. End on a note of continuing cooperation.
15. Make notes about the conference after the parent leaves.
Reference:
Gestwicki, C. (2010). Home, School & Community Relations (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing. 
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