If your kid is a struggling reader then the answer to some questions is more important than others.
I am both a parent and a teacher but it does not make conferences any easier for me at all. I can’t shake the idea that something I say, will affect the way my kid gets treated. The questions I have sound stupid. Or I’ll be “that,” parent. These thoughts are not logical. They perpetuate stereotypes. These feelings are feelings and that is how I feel at conference time.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your kid’s teacher while advocating for your kid’s needs is the goal.
With this being said, I used my feelings as a parent and experience as a Reading Consultant to make this list.
1. How much progress has my kid made towards grade-level reading? (decoding)
2. How much progress has my kid made towards writing? (encoding)
3. How much progress has my kid made spelling on tests and in longer writing assignments? (encoding)
4. How does my kid do reading out loud in class? (reading fluency)
5.Is my kid able to answer questions about what they have read?
6. Is my kid able to follow written and spoken directions?
7. Does my kid read and work well during partner or group work?
8. Is my kid able to maintain focus while reading independently?
9. Does my kid select appropriate books to read independently?
10. Does my kid’s reading ability change reading for different subject areas like science?
The answers to these questions will open up a dialogue between you and your kid’s teacher.
You can use these answers, grades, reports, and other information to measure your kid’s progress.
If the answers to these questions have you worried then reach out to me and I will help you determine if your kid has a problem and needs my services.