Problem
Amelia Jackson is a 5 year old. Amelia lives with her mother and grandmother and sees her father every other weekend. Now that it is January, her teacher, Christine, is becoming concerned about Amelia's solitary play behavior and developmental level. Amelia can only identify 2 colors and the letters that begin her first and last names. Her mother was not available during the last conference period, but Christine feels it is time they spent some time discussing Amelia's development.
1) What are some of the reasons that Amelia's mother may have been unavailable during the last conference period?
2) What could the teacher do to make it more likely that the mother would be able to attend?
3) Suggest a first sentence or two that might help set a positive tone for the conference.
4) Describe several pitfalls that this teacher needs to be careful to avoid?
5) What do you see as a hoped for result of this conference?