Quick poll - nervous parent meeting teacher today!

[Feistybird]

This is a parents evening-type meeting. What questions should I be asking. DD in Reception.

Have 4 so far, one based on misdee's thread,

1. Are the children split by ability
2. How is DD doing with the Key Stage 1 curriculum (is that the right terminology?)
3. Is there anything I should be helping more with at home.
4. Is she well-behaved (i.e. does she ever shut up long enough to listen )

Anything else?

Is she happy?

bump

(thx Lucy)

I don't think reception children start the key stage 1 curriculum until year 1. Unless it has changed reception year is based on the foundation stage of learning curriculum. You have got some good qeustions there and teachers love point number 3 shows you are supporting your dd.

Myalias - thanks, you see I really don't know what I'm talking about re curriculum - will strike that one off!

If your dd is in Reception, then she'll be following the Foundation Stage curriculum, not KS1 (which is for Y1 and Y2).
Other than that, ask about anything else that interests or concerns you - there are usually lots of questions about reading schemes, homework, friendships etc.

Some parents would like to know about their child's strengths and weaknesses (similar to asking how you can help more at home). Some want to know more about how the 'play-based' curriculum works (some are happy and want it continued, some would prefer to see more academic rigour ). Some want to know about how reading is taught, some want to know about helping with specific issues (counting, fine motor control, letter formation, social skills etc).

If you're generally happy, and so is your dd, then just ask the questions you already have and see what the teacher says - her answers may raise more questions!

Hope it goes well.

Strengths and weaknesses - that's a good one GB.

Q's we asked or meant to ask....

Is she happy in what she does?

Is DD speaking up for herself? (she's a bit shy....)

Is DD particularly good at anything? (that we dno't know about...they do so many new things)

Does DD take the lead in anything or is she a follower?

What areas do we need to offer the most encouragment?

As it's reception (we are P1 in Scotland) it's not so much the academic, rather the social that is important. Seeing her workbooks was good though; Mrs Lovely-Teacher(we are v lucky!) emphasised the fact that they are learning new things and skills all the time so 'messy' letter forming this week might be sorted out next.

Enjoy finding out how she is getting on. It's quite an eye-opener seeing their books and pictures. You realise how independent they have become already.

Might ask about the speaking up for herself..dd very confident as far as I can see, but I suppose could be completely different at school.

Does she eat her lunch? (DS1 used not to and he suffered concentration problems in the afternoon)

cheers Dannie

Sometimes, I think it's good not to ask any questions to begin with - just say, 'How's dd getting along then?' and then let the teacher start talking. Fascinating what comes out...