Glow and Grow for Teachers: What It Is, How to Use It, and How to Explain It to Parents - post

Glow and Grow is a kind and simple way to talk with families about a child’s progress. The glow is something the child is doing well. The grow is one small next step to practice. This approach works well for conferences, weekly reports, and quick family updates because it starts with encouragement and keeps the goal clear. ChildCareEd offers a free Glow & Grow Conference Form.

What is Glow and Grow, and how does it help my classroom?

Glow and Grow is a quick feedback method. The glow names a strength. The grow names one small skill to work on next. Keeping it short helps families remember the message and makes follow-up easier.

A good example is: Glow: Maya joined circle time and listened to the story. Grow: Practice raising a hand before speaking during group time.

If you want to gather family input before the meeting, use the Pre-Conference Form. The Pre-Conference Form is meant to be completed by parents or guardians before the conference and includes strengths, needs, and goals.

How do I use Glow and Grow in a parent conference or a quick chat?

Start by preparing one or two clear examples. Bring a short observation, a work sample, or a photo if it helps explain the child’s progress.

Then use this simple order:

• start with 1 or 2 glows

• share 1 grow that is specific and doable

• agree on one next step

• decide when you will follow up

This works well in a full conference or a quick hallway conversation. For a short written follow-up, ChildCareEd also offers a Family Communication Note.That note gives a brief summary of a child’s day, support strategies used, and any follow-up needed.

For extra support, ChildCareEd offers Family (or Parent) Conferencing: Developing Trust. This course teaches strategies for conferencing with parents and families in early childhood settings.

How do I explain Glow and Grow to parents so they want to join in?

Use simple, kind language. You can say something like:

“We like to share one glow and one grow. The glow is something your child is doing well. The grow is one small next step we can work on together.”

Show families the form so they can see that it is short and friendly. Then ask for their input. Questions like “What are you noticing at home?” or “Which goal feels most helpful right now?” can make the conversation feel like teamwork.

A helpful article to support these talks is What should we discuss at parent-teacher conferences in early childhood?. ChildCareEd also has another helpful article at How to Make Parent-Teacher Conferences a Win-Win for Everyone. Both focus on making conferences more useful and child-centered.

What common mistakes should I avoid, and how do I follow up?

The biggest mistake is giving too many grows at once. Families are more likely to follow through when the goal is small and clear.

Another common mistake is using vague language. Instead of saying “work on behavior,” try something like “practice using words to ask for a turn during play.”

It also helps to plan a follow-up date. Check in after a week or two with a short note, a quick chat, or another conference form. Keeping the goal measurable makes progress easier to see.

For communication support, ChildCareEd offers Let’s Talk: Effective Communication. This course focuses on communication strategies that help build strong parent-teacher relationships.

Another useful option is CDA: Communication: Keep It Simple which focuses on building relationships with families in early childhood settings.

Final thoughts

Glow and Grow is simple, kind, and easy to use. It helps teachers notice real strengths, share one clear next step, and build stronger partnerships with families. When you keep the message short and positive, families are more likely to listen, respond, and try the plan at home. The Glow & Grow form is meant to help teachers and parents make the most of conference time by reflecting on strengths and next steps together.