The Learning Ladder A Reading and Writing Curriculum for Early Care and Education Teachers, Children and Families

Writing Activity

Steps to the parent interview

1. Speak to your supervisor and get permission to interview a parent from your classroom. (Ask for her support to do this activity because you might need time outside of your classroom, and your supervisor may need to find you coverage.)

2. Print out the interview form.

3. Decide on a parent with whom you are comfortable. Ask her or him to save five minutes during the day to answer some questions. Find an area that is quiet, private, and one where children will not interrupt you.

4. Begin your conversation with the parent you selected by communicating positive information about his/her child. Also talk about progress the child is making in your classroom. For example: " Sue has really progressed in her social skills. She has learned to play cooperatively with her friends and enjoys playing with Lori and Tricia during free play. She enjoys the block area, and I am very impressed with the creative things she makes."

5. Show the parent the check list form. Tell them you are taking this time to hear what he or she wants the child to learn. Tell the parent that you will begin by reading a list of activities to give him/her examples, but that you want to find out what he or she thinks is most important for the child to learn.

6. Write the parent's answer on the form and then continue doing the same with the next skill areas. After the meeting, write your comments about the interview. For example, "Mrs. Tran was a little nervous, but she was happy that I am interested in her child's progress."

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