The parent teacher interview is a very good opportunity to get to know your child's teacher or teachers, to get an idea of what your child is studying this semester, what the curriculum expectations are in your child’s grade level, what kind of works and projects are going to be assigned. Also, you will learn what the teacher’s teaching method is, how the assessment is going to take place for your child’s achievement, and how his/her behavior is in school. 

Your interview with the teacher is an exchange of information. Before the interview prepare a list of information about your child and a question list consisting of questions you may want to ask about the school and your child. It is also important to talk with your child about his/her opinion about the school before the interview.

Below are 5 main stages to help you prepare before a parent-teacher interview.

1. Prepare an information list about your child that will help the teacher understand your child better.  

Your child's:

• Special interests and skills 
• Study habits 
• Any special medical or health problems that can affect his/her learning 
• Recent changes in the family that may affect behavior or learning in school, such as the arrival of a new baby, a death in the family, moving and changing schools, a divorce, or the traumatic illness of a parent or sibling, etc. 
• His/her behavior and social skills. Relationships with friends, brothers and sisters
• What does she or he like and not like about school? Tell the teacher about the things that your child enjoys and does well.

2. Your child's input is very important. Talk to your child before the interview and ask for his/her opinion.

• Is there some message your child would like you to give the teacher?
• What are his/her feelings about school?
• Does your child have any worries or concerns about something in school?
• Is there anything he or she feels especially proud of? 

3. Make a list of questions that you want to ask about your child at the interview.

• Subjects your child is taking this semester.
• The books and materials your child is using.
• What kinds of reports or projects are going to be assigned? How can you help your kid with these reports or projects?
• Is there a particular subject that your child expresses special enthusiasm for?
• What books will your child to read in class?

• How does the teacher accommodate for differences in learning?
• What is the teacher's teaching method? 
• Does it match with your child's learning style and needs.
• Does the teacher use a variety of ways to teach?
• If the teaching style is different from what your child has experienced in the past, discuss this.

• Does your child regularly hand in assignments on time?
• Does the way your child prepares his/her homework meet expectations? 
• How long does the teacher expect the student to spend on homework each night?
• Get an idea on how you can help your child with homework.

• How is your child’s performance and achievement going to be evaluated?
• Your child's test results and what they mean
• Does your child's current level in reading, math and other subjects meet his grade level?
• What are your child's strengths and weaknesses?
• Ask to see examples of your child’s work. In what areas does your child require improvement? How can you best assist your child?
• Will the class take standardized tests this year? If so, what tests are given, and when? Will the test scores be used to determine if your child is promoted to the next grade or assigned to summer school? 

• How does your child behave in and out of class?
• Does she or he participate actively in classroom discussions?
• Does she/he get along with others in group activities?
• Are there any children with whom he or she works particularly well? Are there some with whom he or she does not get along?
• How she/he feels about her/himself.
• If the teacher tells you about a problem with your child, ask for some specific examples and talk about what you and the teacher will do. 

4.Keep in touch with the teacher:

Starting and ending the interview in a positive way will build a good relationship with the teacher. This is another way to help your child in school.  Ask the teacher about ways you can be in touch (through notes, phone call, or meetings) with her/him and the school.  

5. Afterwards, tell your child about the conference. Stress the positive as well as the areas that need improvement.

Your child will be curious about the interview. Tell the child what you and their teacher discussed. Talk about where there may be a need for improvement. Be positive. Your child will do better when he/she feels good about him or herself.