printParent Teacher Questions in Early Years. A PLD customer asks:
We are going to have Parent/Teacher interviews soon as we want to “share” and “source” as much information with parents as possible as early as possible. I believe that there are questions early childhood teachers should ask parents about the child’s development since birth. Can you please be of assistance.
This is a great commonly asked question. I try keep the questions to a minimum, as typically a few focused questions can quickly reveal if there is a strong likelihood of potential literacy developmental issues occurring.
Here are my three suggested questions:
- Questions relating to the status of the child’s ear health: Did the child have ear infections? Ask also was the child was ever referred to an Ear Nose and Throat specialist and if they ever had grommets inserted?
- Questions relating to a potential genetic predisposition: Have any family members (aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, parents) had speech, language and literacy problems?
- Questions relating to the status of their speech and language skills: Was the child a later talker? (by 2 years children should be saying 50 words and 2-3 word sentences.) Did the child ever see a speech pathologist in the private or public system? Is the child a talkative child now, or do family members speak for the child? With unfamiliar people does the child appear shy?
I hope this information helps!