Questions to Ask a Teacher About Your Child
Partner effectively with your child's teacher using these essential questions that help you understand their academic progress, social development, and classroom experience.
1How is my child doing academically compared to grade-level expectations?
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How is my child doing academically compared to grade-level expectations?
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Why this works
Provides a clear baseline of where your child stands academically and what areas may need support or enrichment.
2What are my child's strongest subjects or skills?
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What are my child's strongest subjects or skills?
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Why this works
Reveals their natural talents and interests, helping you nurture their strengths and build confidence.
3What areas could use more support or practice at home?
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What areas could use more support or practice at home?
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Why this works
Identifies specific areas where you can help reinforce learning and shows the teacher you're committed to supporting their education.
4How does my child interact with classmates?
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How does my child interact with classmates?
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Why this works
Provides insight into their social development and peer relationships, revealing how they navigate social situations.
5Does my child participate actively in class discussions?
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Does my child participate actively in class discussions?
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Why this works
Shows their engagement level and comfort speaking up, revealing their confidence and classroom involvement.
6What is my child's attitude toward learning and school?
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What is my child's attitude toward learning and school?
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Why this works
Reveals their overall approach to education and whether they're enthusiastic, anxious, or resistant to learning.
7Are there any behavioral concerns I should be aware of?
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Are there any behavioral concerns I should be aware of?
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Why this works
Identifies any issues that need to be addressed early and shows you're open to honest feedback about behavior.
8How does my child handle frustration or challenges?
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How does my child handle frustration or challenges?
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Why this works
Shows their problem-solving skills and emotional regulation, revealing how they cope with difficulties.
9What can I do at home to support what you're teaching in class?
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What can I do at home to support what you're teaching in class?
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Why this works
Shows your commitment to reinforcing learning and creates a partnership between home and school.
10Does my child turn in homework and assignments on time?
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Does my child turn in homework and assignments on time?
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Why this works
Reveals their organizational skills and responsibility, showing whether they need more support with time management.
11How is my child's reading/math/writing progressing?
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How is my child's reading/math/writing progressing?
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Why this works
Provides specific information about core academic skills and where they may need additional support or challenge.
12What are your goals for my child this year?
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What are your goals for my child this year?
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Why this works
Reveals the teacher's expectations and helps you understand what they're working toward with your child.
13Are there any concerns about my child's learning that I should know about?
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Are there any concerns about my child's learning that I should know about?
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Why this works
Opens the door for honest discussion about any challenges and shows you're ready to address issues proactively.
14How does my child respond to feedback or correction?
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How does my child respond to feedback or correction?
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Why this works
Shows their receptivity to guidance and whether they're developing a growth mindset toward learning.
15What does my child seem most interested in or excited about?
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What does my child seem most interested in or excited about?
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Why this works
Reveals their passions and what motivates them, helping you nurture their interests at home.
16Are there any upcoming projects or events I should know about?
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Are there any upcoming projects or events I should know about?
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Why this works
Keeps you informed and involved, showing you're engaged in their school life and activities.
17How can I best communicate with you throughout the year?
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How can I best communicate with you throughout the year?
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Why this works
Establishes clear communication channels and shows you value ongoing partnership with the teacher.
18Does my child work well independently or do they need more support?
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Does my child work well independently or do they need more support?
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Why this works
Reveals their self-sufficiency and whether they need help developing independent work skills.
19What is the best time to reach you if I have questions or concerns?
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What is the best time to reach you if I have questions or concerns?
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Why this works
Shows respect for the teacher's time and establishes clear communication boundaries.
20Is there anything else I should know about my child's experience in your class?
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Is there anything else I should know about my child's experience in your class?
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Why this works
Opens the door for any additional insights and shows you're fully invested in understanding their school experience.
Best Practices for Parent-Teacher Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Come Prepared with Specific Questions
Write down your questions before the meeting and prioritize what's most important to discuss. This shows you value the teacher's time and are engaged.
Listen Actively and Take Notes
Pay attention to the teacher's insights and write down key points. This helps you remember important information and shows you're taking their feedback seriously.
Be Open to Constructive Feedback
Receive feedback about your child with an open mind, even if it's difficult to hear. The teacher is your partner in your child's education.
Question Sequences
The Academic Understanding Sequence
The Social and Emotional Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Be Defensive
If the teacher shares concerns, listen first before responding. Getting defensive can shut down important communication.
Don't Compare Your Child to Others
Focus on your child's individual progress and growth rather than comparing them to classmates or siblings.
Don't Dominate the Conversation
Give the teacher time to share their observations and insights. Balance sharing information with listening.