For conferences, we post a sign outside the door welcoming parents. It asks them to knock at the time of their conference. Hearing the next parent knock usually signals the current one to wrap things up. It's not perfect, but it's pretty good.
I came here to say the same thing! Having the next parent knock at their scheduled conference time really helps. I also try to find a break in the conversation (if it’s lasting a while) hand them their papers and kind of start standing up and say something like “well thank you so much for taking the time to come talk about your kiddo with me… [mention how they can communicate further with you]” usually that helps to get them to realize what time it is and that it’s time to go haha.
I've been teaching a long time and chatty parents are so difficult for me because I'm also so chatty lol! I try to use timers but that can be tough too because you don't want them to feel cut off. Love your vlogs and any vlogs during spring break would be great!
I use sign up genius as well to have parents sign up for our 15 minute conferences. Our Principal does an announcement every 15 minutes telling parents their conference is over and thanks for coming. That way it is not on us to say conference over. I wore knit elastic waist shorts all summer when I was pregnant. Comfy and they stretch as you grow.
Our conferences are March 25-28. Students leave at 1:25 every day and our conferences start after until 3:15 PM every day and Wednesday this year night conferences are from 5-7PM!! I teach 6th grade, I teach seven periods a day.
I was moved to hear your story, it was very touching. In the midst of waiting for the birth of your baby, and being busy teaching kindergarten, yes, it is very tiring. Yes, you are lucky to have a friend like a mother who cares about your family. God will always be with Mrs. Madison.
Loving your vlogs and loving the baby bump! So excited for baby boy to be born! My sister in law just gave birth a couple weeks ago to my little nephew and being an aunt has been awesome! Hope the rest of your pregnancy goes really well! 💙💙💙
I'm a teacher and a parent. As a parent I found it really rude when I was having a meeting with a teacher who had the alarm set and then said " oh well, times up" maybe if he had been a bit more polite it wouldn't have felt as rude. As a teacher I would normally say I am so sorry our time is nearly up, however happy to continue this conversation, question etc over phone or email later this week.
It made me so happy to see a 30 minute vlog Madison and you taking us along with you! Baby boy is growing but hoping the rest of your pregnancy is a little more smooth for you!
For parent teacher conferences, our school rings a bell every 10 minutes (I have 32 pupils so have to keep it short and sweet!) and when the bell rings they know it’s time to move on even if it’s mid-sentence because it’s just so loud you can’t ignore it 😂
Also, towards the end of the session I would also give parents a selection of their kids work to “head home and look through” and they’re usually pretty happy to leave after that. I also make sure to ask if they have any questions or concerns first before I start, so it gets that out the way and they’re not asking lots at the end. I can then speed up/slow down depending on what they say
Just wondering about Parent-Teacher conferences where the parents are divorced and maybe prefer not to include the other parent in the meeting? Are two separate meetings for the same student scheduled?
