Parent Teacher Conference English: Words for Parents

Learning parent teacher conference English can help you talk with your child’s teacher. A parent-teacher conference is a short meeting (a set time to talk). You meet the teacher to talk about your child. This post gives you easy words and phrases. You will feel more ready and calm.

What is a parent-teacher conference?

A parent-teacher conference is a meeting at school. The teacher talks about your child. You can ask questions too.

Most meetings are short. They are often 15 to 30 minutes. The teacher may talk to many parents in one day.

At the meeting, you learn about:

• Your child’s grades (school marks or scores)
• How your child acts in class
• What your child does well
• What your child needs help with

Words to know before you go

Here are common words. Learn them before your meeting. They are useful for parent teacher conference English.

• Grade — a score for schoolwork (like A, B, or C).
• Homework — school work your child does at home.
• Behavior — how your child acts.
• Progress — how much your child is learning.
• Reading level — how well your child reads for their age.
• Report card — a paper with your child’s grades.
• Absent — not at school that day.

How to start the meeting

Start with a friendly hello. This helps you feel calm. A kind start is good manners.

You can say:

• “Hello. I am Maria. I am Sofia’s mother.”
• “Nice to meet you. Thank you for your time.”
• “I am happy to be here.”

It is okay to speak slowly. It is okay to ask the teacher to repeat words.

Good questions to ask the teacher

You can ask many things. Here are simple questions. Pick the ones you need.

About learning

• “How is my child doing in class?”
• “What is my child good at?”
• “What does my child need help with?”
• “Is my child at the right reading level?”

About home help

• “How can I help my child at home?”
• “How much homework is normal?”
• “What books can we read together?”

About behavior

• “Does my child listen in class?”
• “Does my child have friends?”
• “Is my child kind to other students?”

Using parent teacher conference English when you do not understand

Sometimes the teacher speaks fast. This is normal. You can ask for help. Good parent teacher conference English includes asking for help.

Try these polite phrases:

• “Can you please speak slowly?”
• “Can you say that again?”
• “What does that word mean?”
• “Can you write that down for me?”

These questions are okay. Teachers want to help you. Asking shows you care.

A short sample dialogue

Here is a small talk between a parent and a teacher. You can practice it out loud.

Teacher: “Hello! You are Sofia’s mom, right? Please sit down.”

Parent: “Yes. Thank you. Nice to meet you.”

Teacher: “Sofia is a good student. She works hard.”

Parent: “That is good. What can I do to help her at home?”

Teacher: “She can read for 20 minutes each night.”

Parent: “Okay. Can you say that again, please?”

Teacher: “Yes. She should read for 20 minutes every night.”

Parent: “Thank you. I understand now.”

Tips to feel ready

A little planning helps a lot. Here are easy tips before your meeting.

• Write your questions on paper. Bring the paper with you.
• Bring a pen. Write down what the teacher says.
• Come a few minutes early.
• Bring your phone. You can use a translator app if you need it.
• Ask a friend or family member to come, if you want help.

It is okay to bring someone who speaks more English. Many parents do this.

What to say at the end

End with a thank you. Ask how to talk again later.

You can say:

• “Thank you for your help.”
• “How can I contact you?” (contact means to call or write to someone)
• “Can I email you if I have a question?”

Now you have a way to reach the teacher. This is very helpful.

Remember this

You do not need perfect English. You need to care and to try. Teachers know English is your second language. They will be kind.

You are a good parent. You came to the meeting. That is the most important thing.

Learning parent teacher conference English takes time. Practice a little each day. Read the phrases above out loud. Soon they will feel easy. You can do this. Good luck at your next meeting!