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Are you an SLP looking for tips and tricks to help you navigate parent teacher conferences? Check out these 5 tips to help you ace the ups and downs of this crazy time of year. Plus instantly download a FREE Parent Teacher Conference Form to make sharing your conference input easy, productive, and stress free.
During our first few years of working in the school system, parent teacher conferences were super nerve wracking! And for good reason! There were so many places to be, lots of information to share, and many players sitting around the meeting table. But throughout the years, we have found some tried and true tips for SLPs to dominate parent teacher conferences!
1. Don’t stress!
With large caseloads, we are often overbooked when it comes to conference times. To alleviate some stress, be sure to make schedule ahead of time to help prioritize your time. It is impossible to be in more than one place at once so just do your best.
In addition, most conferences are fairly short and may even be student-led. Plus teachers generally have full agenda to cover. Sharing a full progress update isn’t always possible. Simply being present or checking in quickly can be enough.
We know this is easier said than done, but DON’T STRESS! Remember you are the speech and language expert at the table!
2. Share your information.
If your student’s annual review hasn’t been held yet, their conference may be the first time you are meeting parents. Parent teacher conferences are the ideal time to introduce yourself and share your contact information.
We have the perfect editable template to hand out during conferences. These forms are especially great if you are unable to attend a conference. You can leave a contact form with teachers to encourage parents to reach out if needed.
Head to our TPT store to download your Editable Meet The SLP Template for FREE today!
Also Read: 5 Back To School FREEBIES for SLPs
3. Discuss student progress…sorta.
Obviously, the purpose of parent teacher conferences is to update parents on their child’s overall progress. However, keep in mind that 15 minute conference is not a full IEP meeting. You should certainly let parents know how things are going during your weekly sessions by celebrating their student’s strength and touching on their struggles, but know that you don’t need to discuss specific IEP goals or give actual data unless directly asked.
Need a form to help you prep? Grab our Free Parent Teacher Conference Form to help you share just the right amount information with parents. If you are unable to attend a conference time, this a great form to leave with teachers as well!
Click here to download yours instantly now!
Also Read: 12 Need to Know IEP Definitions
4. Take notes.
Not sure about you, but we have FULL caseloads this year. Like so many kids. Which means so many conferences. 😅 To help keep things straight, take notes. Seems like a no brainer, but conference day flies by so keeping a pad of paper and pen in hand is key!
We like to take note of anything the teacher shares. It is always helpful to hear how our students are functioning within the classroom. During the craziness of the work week, sometimes checking in with teachers can be difficult. Conferences are a great time to not only share your update, but get insight on the classroom’s inner workings too.
Conference time is another good opportunity to ask about any parent concerns or hear how things are going at home. With so many kids, keep it all straight by taking notes. Then use both teacher and parent input to help update goals!
5. Provide home practice suggestions.
The number one parent question we are asked is “What can I do to help my child at home?” Be ready to share any general tips to help encourage speech and language carrying over at home. We like to recommend some of the following basic activities and ideas for at home speech and language practice.
- Read books while labeling pictures and asking WH questions
- Encourage language by expanding sentences
- Intentionally sabotage situations to encourage language production
- Gently correct speech sound errors and provide model
- Review any activities completed in speech sessions together
If it is easier, have a parent hand out with general speech and language strategies and tips ready to pass out! Check out this list of FREE TPT parent hand out resources below.
- Parent Handout: Speech Practice On The Go by A Perfect Blend
- Speech and Language Handouts for Parents by Primary Punch
- Speech Therapy Homework | Speech Therapy Handouts for Parents by The Pedi Speechie
- Speech Therapy Home Handouts- FREE by Speech Tea
- Parent Handouts: Facilitate Expressive and Receptive Language at Home by speech2teach
FREEBIE Parent Teacher Conference Form For SLPs
Be sure to instantly download your Free Parent Teacher Conference Form by clicking here or the image below!
So as you head into this busy time of year, use these 5 tips to stay stress free and on top of your speech-language game during parent teacher conferences. Be sure to grab our FREE Editable Meet The SLP Template and FREE Parent Teacher Conference Form to foster communication with parents and teachers. And just remember you got this!
Drop us a comment below with any strategies you use to prep for your conferences. We would love to hear from you!
Happy conferences, SLPs!
Talking Mama Bears