Make the Most of Your Parent-Teacher Conversation: 5 Key Questions to Ask

Parent-teacher conversations don’t come around often - just twice a year, usually in Term 1 and Term 3 - and when they do, they’re over in a flash!

Ever walked out feeling like you missed half the answers you needed? You’re not alone.

With so little time to cover so much, it’s easy to leave with more questions than clarity.

The secret? Go in with a plan.

By asking the right questions, you’ll get a clear picture of your child’s progress, strengths and challenges, and walk away with real insights to help you support them at home.

Plan Your Questions

Before heading into your session, take a few minutes to plan what you want to cover. A little preparation goes a long way in making sure you leave with the insights you need.

✅ What are your main concerns? Jot down anything specific you want to ask - whether it’s about academic progress, social development or homework habits.

✅ Keep your questions focused. You won’t have time to cover everything, so prioritise the topics that matter most to you and your child.

✅ Remember, it’s a two-way conversation. Use this time to share any observations from home and work together with the teacher to get on the same page to support your child’s learning.

Not sure where to begin? Start with these five key questions.

1. What challenges does my child face in their learning?

Most children encounter learning challenges at some point. Whether it’s reading comprehension, maths problem-solving or staying focused in class, this question helps you identify any areas where extra support might be needed.

👉 Tip: Ask for specifics. If the teacher says your child is struggling with reading, dig deeper – is it phonics, fluency or comprehension? The more details you have, the better you can support them at home.

2. What are my child’s strengths and interests?

It’s just as important to celebrate wins! Knowing your child’s strengths, whether it’s writing, problem-solving or teamwork, helps tailor their learning journey.

👉 Tip: Use their strengths to boost confidence and learning. If they love art, could drawing help with storytelling? If they’re great at puzzles, could that support their maths skills? Tapping into their interests makes learning more engaging and effective.

3. How is my child getting along with their peers?

School isn’t just about books and numbers. It’s also where kids learn to navigate friendships, teamwork and the occasional playground drama. Is your child making friends, joining in class discussions and working well in group projects?

👉 Tip: If there are any concerns (shyness, conflicts or difficulty making friends), ask how you can support their social development at home. Sometimes small tweaks, like organising playdates or encouraging teamwork activities, can make a big difference.

4. How much homework should my child be doing?

Homework can be tricky. Knowing what’s expected helps set realistic routines at home.

👉 Tip: If your child is struggling with homework, ask the teacher for strategies. Maybe they need a quieter space, shorter study sessions or a fresh approach to tackling tricky subjects.

5. What should my child aim to achieve this year?

Every child’s progress looks different, so instead of worrying about how they compare to classmates, focus on their personal growth. Knowing what they should aim for this year helps keep things productive, positive and stress-free.

👉 Tip: Big goals can feel overwhelming, so break them into small, achievable steps. Progress isn’t about giant leaps – it’s about steady, step-by-step wins!

Talk to Your Child

Discussing the interview with your child is just as important as listening to their teacher. 

💬 Before the Meeting: Ask your child if they have any concerns or subjects they find difficult. This way, you can bring up issues they might be too nervous to share themselves.

💡 After the Meeting: Instead of just relaying what the teacher said, turn it into a conversation. “Your teacher says you’re doing really well in maths! What are you enjoying about it?”

🎯 Set a Goal Together: Pick one small, achievable step to focus on, like reading for 10 minutes a night or practising times tables. Kids love feeling involved in their own progress!

Final Tips For A Productive Parent-Teacher Conversation

To make the most of your conversation, keep these tips in mind:

✅ Keep it personal – Every child’s learning journey is unique, so focus on their individual progress rather than comparing them to siblings or classmates.

✅ Take notes & follow up – These meetings go by fast! Take notes and follow up if anything needs clarification.

✅ Put the feedback to work – Whether it’s tweaking study habits, getting extra support, or simply cheering your child on, use what you’ve learned to keep their learning journey moving forward.

Need Extra Support? We’ve Got You!

If you’re feeling unsure about what’s next, or if your child needs a little extra help, we’re here to guide you. Book a free call with one of our expert tutors, and let’s make this year their best one yet.

👉 Book a call today!