Parent conferences at a private middle school may be quite different than the traditional PTA meetings of the past. Montessori is an observational system, so maintaining a line of contact between the Montessori triad-- children, parents, and teacher-- is critical for the success of the child. Here are some of the most important reasons why parents need to be in the loop.
Performance Updates
Montessori middle school conferences are an opportunity for parents to receive updates on their child's academic and social progress. Teachers can share insights into the child's strengths and areas for improvement, as well as offer suggestions for supporting their learning at home. This is a great opportunity to talk about new skills your child is learning, subjects she is showing interest in, and problems or achievements she has talked about at home.Understand the Montessori Method
Montessori education is a unique approach that may be unfamiliar to some parents. Attending conferences can help parents gain a deeper understanding of the Montessori philosophy and how it is applied in the classroom. Furthermore, Montessori is not intended as a school-based program alone, so parental involvement can be a huge developmental boost for children.Parent-Teacher Relationships
Montessori conferences are a chance for parents to build a relationship with their child's teacher. This can help create a partnership between the parent and teacher, which is beneficial for the child's education. In some cases, unwanted behavior patterns can be curtailed by a simple show of solidarity between parents and teachers so that the child understands both parties are on the same team: the child's team.Build Community
Conferences provide an opportunity for parents to connect with other Montessori parents. This can create a sense of community and provide a support network for parents to share ideas and experiences. One of the tenets of Montessori is to produce great future citizens, but that is also affected by the observations children make of how their parents interact.Overall, attending Montessori conferences is an important way for parents to stay informed and involved in their child's education, and to support their child's growth and development both inside and outside of the classroom.
