We have found that dancers are more motivated and do better in class when parents are engaged in their progress. Attending Parent - Teacher Conferences & Individual Meetings is one way to get more involved and inspire your child to excel here at M.A BALLET. 

Parent-Teacher Individual Meeting (One-to-One)

Parent - Teacher Individual Meeting is a great opportunity to discuss your child’s progress in class, share his/her strengths and needs with their teachers, and set concrete dance goals to work towards. This meeting will last about 15 minutes. A specific date and time can be booked via our Student Portal when the meeting period is announced.

 

Before the Individual Meeting

Some parents may be tracking their children’s progress and already have discussion topics ready for the teacher while this meeting might be the first for others. Regardless of your previous interactions, it is helpful to come prepared. Know ahead of time how your child is doing and what you want to discuss. Even simply attending the meeting will show your child that you’re interested in their class progress.

Making the most of this meeting:

  • In the weeks ahead of the meeting, talk to your child about how they are doing with their skills/exercises in each genre of dance they take. Ask if there are any questions or issues your child wants you to discuss with the teacher.

  • Think of a few things about your child that you would like to share with the teacher so that they can get to know him/her better – interests, strengths, favourite genres.

  • Write down questions or topics you’d like the meeting to cover. Depending on your situation, you may want to ask:

    1. Whether your child is meeting level expectations for the class they are enrolled in (not how he/she compares to peers)

    2. What the teacher mentions as your child’s strengths and challenges and how these are being addressed

    3. Other services to help your child grow as a student such as private lessons

    4. Make a plan to check in regularly if there are any learning or behavioural problems

    5. Your child’s work habits and effort during class

    6. How your child gets along with other children in class

If any studio-related problems arise, please contact our school Director, Ms. Mayu, by email (mayu@maballet.com). We are available anytime to discuss any of your urgent needs.


During the Individual Meeting

Teachers usually meet with parents in back-to-back meetings, so your punctuality will be most appreciated. This meeting will focus on learning, although behaviour and social concerns might also be discussed. The teacher will review your child’s progress, including strengths and areas of improvement. You also might talk about:

  • How and what your child is learning

  • Authentic assessment information the teacher may have

  • Your dancer’s transition to their current level placement

  • How your child gets along with friends and teachers

  • How you and the teacher can partner together to improve your child’s progress

  • Ideas or resources that you can use to support dance learning at home

  • Potential next steps for your child

 

After the Individual Meeting

To follow up after the meeting:

  • Contact the teacher with any questions you might not have time to ask before (please email us to admin@maballet.com)

  • Review your notes about what you and the teacher will do to support learning, then make plans about how and when you will help your child.

  • If you still have concerns or do not agree with the teacher's feedback, put your thoughts in writing and schedule a meeting with the teacher or School Director, Ms. Mayu, as soon as mutually convenient.

  • Review what was discussed at the conference with your child, including any special learning plans, and share the positive comments the teacher made.

Keep in mind that you and your teacher have the same goal: To help your child succeed and find JOY in dance!