• Set Expectations. Not every child will achieve high marks, but that doesn't mean your child should strive for less. Talk with your child before the school year starts and explain that you won't be upset if he doesn't bring home perfect grades- but that you will be upset if he doesn't try his hardest or doesn't ask for help.
• Communicate with your child.Don't wait until report cards are issued to talk with your child about school and grades. Talk with her every night and every week about homework. Ask how she is doing in school and what subjects she finds challenging.
• Discuss your child's performance with his teacher and/or guidance counselor. Your child's teacher and/or guidance counselor is the best source for information about your child's scholastic performance. Your child's teacher can recommend ways to help your child or point out difficulties he is having. His guidance counselor can provide progress reports between report cards or help set up additional parent-teacher conferences when necessary.
• Set goals for improvement with your child. If your child is currently a "C" student--then setting a goal of getting all "A's" may not be reasonable. However, creating an improvement goal for each subject will help her work towards an attainable level for each class.
• Establish a study plan with your child. Your child should keep a schedule of all classes, assignments and key dates (e.g., project deadlines,big exams, etc). As part of that schedule, he should include specific time for studying, projects and extracurricular activities. The more comprehensive the schedule, the more efficient your child will be in completing his homework and the better he'll do in school.
• Seek outside help. Some children may need additional attention that can't be provided in school. Speak with your child's teacher about tutoring or supplemental education providers to help your child work towards better grades in school.
• Praise your child's successes. Praise your child for what she is doing well, whether it's a specific academic subject or an extracurricular activity. If your child is not doing well in English, but loves to read the latest Harry Potter book, show her the connection between the two.
• Be sure to keep report cards in perspective. Remember that this is just one measure at one particular time of how your child is doing. It is an important one, but make sure you continue to motivate and encourage if your child is doing well in other areas. Positive motivation from parents is a great way to build your child's self-esteem and can lead to successful grades down the road.

For more information on Sylvan's personalized learning programs that can help students reach their academic potential before the next report card, visit www.sylvanwoodridge.com or call 630-968-8474 and ask for Fred or Melanie.

Education is a shared responsibility. To help students learn the skills, habits and attitudes needed for lifelong success, teachers need your assistance and input. Working together, you and your child's educator can ensure your child reaches his full potential this year.

Here are some easy to use resources that parents can use to make the parent-teacher conferences as beneficial as possible.

Getting Ready:

• Ask your child if there are topics he would like discussed with his teacher.
• Write notes to yourself about your child's personality, learning difficulties and study habits- aspects that you feel his teacher should know. Take these notes with you to the meeting.

Helpful Questions To Ask At The Meeting:

• What is your classroom homework policy? Is homework graded?
• What are the skills that you expect my child to master this year?
• How do you accommodate for learning styles?
• How can I stay involved in my child's learning?

During The Conference:

• Start off on the right foot.
• Be respectful of the teacher's time and arrive promptly.
• Discuss your notes concerning your child's learning habits.
• Ask your most important questions first- in case time runs out.
• Ask the teacher for specific suggestions on ways to help your child reach his full potential. This is the most important part of the meeting .
• Take notes so you can discuss the meeting with your child.
• End the meeting by reiterating the actions that will be taken by the teacher or you.
• If needed, schedule a time to meet again.

After The Conference:

• Tell your child what you discussed with the teacher.
• Begin your action plan and work with your child to make learning fun.
• Stay in contact with the teacher and continue to discuss your child's progress.