How Can I Prepare for Parent-Teacher Interviews?
By Julie Diamond, Founder & CEO Diamond Teachers Group
Parent-teacher interviews are a wonderful opportunity to bridge the home and school, to celebrate what your child is doing well, and to partner on the next steps.
As I discussed in my earlier post, “How Do I Make the Most of Parent‑Teacher Interviews? A Teacher’s Guide for Parents,” coming prepared, sharing your child’s story, being open to feedback, focusing on solutions, following up, setting realistic expectations and maintaining a positive tone all make a difference.
Here are expanded and additional ideas to help you prepare meaningfully and walk away feeling empowered:
1. Begin the conversation at home
Before the interview night, take time to talk with your child about school. Ask open‑ended questions such as:
“What has been your favourite part of class lately?”
“What’s something that has felt hard or frustrating?”
“If you could ask your teacher one question, what would it be?”
These conversations help you enter the meeting with a clearer sense of your child’s views and allow the teacher to see things through your child’s lens. According to the Toronto District School Board’s guide to parent‑teacher interviews, this kind of talk helps you to find out what your child enjoys most about school and if your child has any worries or concerns to address with the teacher. (tdsb.on.ca)
Also, review your child’s most recent report card, work samples, and any communication from the teacher or school. Being prepared in this way helps you feel confident, and the teacher will appreciate your engagement.
2. Craft a short agenda for your interview
Because interview time is often short, it helps to go in with a focused plan.
You might want to include:
A quick thank you for the teacher’s time and efforts (recognizing the teacher’s efforts is a nice way to set the tone of the meeting);
One or two strengths you see in your child, academically or socially;
Specific questions you (and your child) have prepared;
A goal you would like to set together;
How you will follow up after the meeting;
Having this framework will keep the conversation on track and ensure you cover what matters most.
3. Bring thoughtful questions and listen
One of the most useful practices is coming with specific questions. From my blog, take some time to reflect and think about any concerns or questions you have. Having a list of questions ready will ensure you do not forget anything important.
Here are sample questions you might ask:
How is my child performing compared with grade-level expectations?
What are their strengths and areas for improvement?
How does my child engage with peers and group work?
What are the teacher’s homework or independent work expectations?
What goals do you suggest we set for the next term and how can I support them at home?
If there are challenges, what strategies or supports can be used in class and at home?
What is the best way for us, teacher and parent, to stay in touch?
When the teacher gives feedback, listen with an open mind and ask for specific examples and suggestions on how you can work together.
4. Share your child’s story
You know your child best. Sharing a bit of that helps the teacher connect the dots. Let the teacher know if your child has any specific challenges such as anxiety, struggles with focus, or changes in behaviour. If your child has had any recent family changes, this helps the teacher tailor their approach.
You might mention:
“We have noticed that homework seems to take a long time lately. Do you see that too?”
“Our child really shines when given a hands-on task. Do you offer opportunities for that in class?”
“We recently had a family change or a new bedtime routine, just in case it is showing up in class behaviour.”
5. Focus on solutions and goals
Rather than dwelling on problems, the most effective parent‑teacher interviews are built around what is next. I suggest focusing on solutions, not just problems, and working together with the teacher to set clear, actionable goals for your child.
Some ideas include:
Targeting the next math unit with a goal of completing extra practice questions each week;
Improving reading fluency by monitoring one novel each month and checking in at the next interview;
Building confidence in sharing ideas in class.
Write the goal down, ask how you will know if it is happening, and suggest how you will support it at home.
6. Follow up after the interview
The interview is the beginning of the partnership, not the end. I suggest taking a few moments after the meeting to summarize what was discussed and share it with your child to get their feedback, too.
After the interview:
Write down key points while they are fresh in your mind;
Share the plan with your child so they understand and offer insight and be accountable;
Set a reminder about the goal you agreed on;
Schedule a follow-up meeting if needed.
7. Mind your mindset
Your attitude influences the tone of the interview. I encourage staying positive and supportive by showing appreciation for the teacher’s efforts and expressing a willingness to collaborate.
Remember that you and the teacher are on the same team. Avoid defensiveness and ask for examples if you hear unexpected feedback. Celebrate progress, even small steps, to build your child’s confidence.
8. Think ahead to transition and next year
Especially in grades 3, 6, or 8, when your child has standardized testing or is preparing for a big transition, you can use the interview to ask about the transition ahead. Sample questions include:
What skills should my child focus on now to be ready for the next grade?
Are there any upcoming programs, supports, clubs or enrichment opportunities we should explore?
Are there patterns you have seen in this class that might help us proactively support our child?
9. Turn discussion into action
To make your meeting truly impactful, transform it into ongoing action:
Use a homework or study plan aligned with what was discussed;
Build routines, check in daily with your child, and keep communication open;
If your child would benefit from extra support such as tutoring or skill review, make it part of the plan (and give us a call to discuss your options!)
Celebrate wins such as improved homework habits, test scores, class participation, or attitude.
Parent‑teacher interviews are one of the most powerful ways you, your child’s teacher and your child can collaborate. By preparing beforehand, asking the right questions, sharing your child’s story, focusing on next steps, following up, maintaining a positive mindset and turning discussion into action, you will make the meeting a launching point for growth.