It may feel like the school year has just begun, but believe it or not, we’re already approaching the halfway point of the first marking period. Time is flying! Now is the perfect moment to check your child’s progress. Maybe you have concerns about your child adjusting to new routines, struggling to keep up with assignments, or facing potential learning challenges. Being proactive now may significantly impact your child’s growth this year.
Whether you have parent/teacher conferences in the coming weeks or want to send an email to check in on your child’s progress, here are five essential questions to ask to gain valuable insights into their progress and ensure they’re on track for success for the remainder of the school year.
- What subject area is emerging as my child’s strongest this year? Where do you see a growth opportunity? Asking about your child’s strongest subject and growth opportunities helps you understand their academic strengths and areas for improvement. This insight is crucial because it allows you to support and encourage your child in areas where they naturally excel while focusing on strategies to help them grow in subjects that may require more attention.
- Is my child able to work independently when necessary? Asking if your child can work independently helps you gauge their self-sufficiency and ability to manage tasks on their own. This is important because independent work skills are key to academic success, building confidence, and preparing them for future challenges that require focus and initiative.
- Does my child seek help appropriately? Asking if your child seeks help appropriately helps you understand how they navigate challenges and use available resources. This is important because knowing when and how to ask for help is critical for overcoming obstacles and ensuring continued academic progress.
- What approaches have resulted in my child making the most progress? Asking about which approaches have led to your child’s greatest progress provides insight into the best teaching methods and strategies for them. This is important because it helps you reinforce successful techniques at home and advocate for their continued use in the classroom to support ongoing growth.
- What can I do to support the work you’re doing in the classroom? Asking how you can support the teacher’s work at home fosters a collaborative partnership between you and the school. This is important because consistency between home and school can strengthen your child’s learning, reinforce classroom strategies, and promote academic success. Even if you need to phone-a-friend on the 2nd-grade math assignment or the 5th-grade social studies study guide, taking an active role in your child’s education demonstrates that you care about their education and provides you an opportunity to connect with them beyond “how was your day?”
Taking the time to engage with your child’s teacher halfway through the marking period, whether or not they have heard from you this school year or not, can provide invaluable insights into your child’s academic journey. By asking these key questions, you can better understand your child’s strengths, areas for improvement, and how to effectively support their learning. This proactive involvement fosters a stronger partnership between home and school and reinforces your commitment to your child’s success. Remember, every question you ask is an opportunity to advocate for your child’s needs, ensuring they thrive in their educational environment. So don’t hesitate—start the conversation and foster a supportive environment for your child’s school year!
Kate Panfile is a Certified Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant with over 15 years of experience in the Education field. Mrs. Panfile received her B.S. in Mathematics from The Pennsylvania State University and her M.Ed. in Special Education from William Paterson University, where she presented her thesis on the “Impact of Co-Teaching Models on Student and Teacher Perceptions and Attitudes.”
