How to Handle Report Cards- Tips for Helping Your Children When They are Struggling to Get Good Grades

It's that time of the year again- report card time. While many students will come home with good grades, many others would rather stuff their report card deep into their backpacks than show them to their parents.  As parents, you want your child to do well in school, so what do you do when your child's report card isn't as good as it could be?

 

"Children get frustrated and upset when their report cards don't reflect their academic potential," states Dr. Richard E. Bavaria, Ph.D. and senior vice president of educational outreach for Sylvan Learning.

 

"Every child learns and tests differently. And, not every child will be a straight 'A' student," continues Bavaria. "Understanding your child's ability and determining if your expectations are too high will allow both you and your child to set appropriate goals for each class before report cards are distributed. It will also help establish an environment  in which your child is not apprehensive about sharing his report card with you."

 

In honor of the National Education Association (NEA)'s American Education Week in November, Sylvan Learning , the leading provider of in-center and live, online tutoring at home to students of all ages and skill levels, offers the following tips for parents on how to deal with an underwhelming report card:

 

1. 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.

 

2. 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.

 

3. 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.

 

4. 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.

 

5. 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.

 

6. 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.

 

7. Praise your child's successes. Praise your child for what she is doing well, whether it's a specific academic subject or an extra curricular activity. If your child is not doing well in English, but loves to read the latest book, show her the connection between the two.

Answers to Your Toughest Homework Questions

Parents want their children to get good grades in school. Unfortunately, not every parent knows how best to help their child meet academic challenges, including completion of homework . So, how can parents maximize their child's chances to develop the skills, habits and attitudes needed for lifelong success?

                                                                                                 To celebrate the National Education Association's American Education Week (November 11-17) and communicate its theme of shared academic responsibility, Sylvan Learning offers this tip sheet to help answer frequently asked parent questions.

                                                                                               Why do teachers assign homework?

* Teachers use homework to reinforce daily academic skills learned in the classroom, practice for tests, develop good work habits and critical thinking abilities, and encourage a love of learning new subjects.

* Research indicates that children who regularly complete their homework, on average, build a better foundation of fundamental skills and obtain higher grades. By having this academic foundation and building a solid work ethic, students are better able to achieve academic success in the upper grades, college and, ultimately, this leads to greater career options, greater wealth and lifelong success.

                                                                                                 How much time should children spend doing their homework?

* Grades K-2 - 10-20 minutes per day

* Grades 3-6 - 30-60 minutes daily

* Middle and high school - The amount of homework will vary by subject. In addition to daily assignments, older students may also receive long-term projects, such as term papers, that may have deadlines weeks away. The key for academic success for teenagers is organization and planning.

                                                                                                 When I ask my child if he has homework, he says he's already finished or none was assigned. How can I ensure homework is completed?

* Assume homework is assigned every night or studying is required.

* Make studying, not just homework, a daily habit. Even is a student does not have an assignment due the next day, he can use that time to read, review his notes or organize his backpack.

* Ask younger children to show you their work so you can check it and help them correct their mistakes by working on the answer together. Ask your child to explain the reasoning for his answers. This develops critical thinking skills.

* Be curious, not critical. If a parent is too critical, a student may lose enthusiasm for learning. Kids want to please their parents. When they feel discouraged, they give up. Instead of judging your child's homework, show him that you are interested in his schooling by asking questions. Turn homework into nightly conversation.

                                                                                              How can I create a homework environment that is conducive to learning?

* Create a homework zone. Set up an area in your home for studying, complete with a dictionary, paper, pens, etc. Make sure the area is free from distractions and that all study tools are within your child's reach to keep him focused on homework.

* Identify goals. Help your child set personal and attainable goals for each class and help him identify the steps needed to reach each goal.

* Know your child. Because each child is unique with different learning styles and academic needs, it is important to personalize the learning process. Students may learn in different ways on different days. Visit the "Parent Resources" area of www.SylvanLearning.com to take Sylvan Learning's "Homework Personality" Quiz to discover how to personalize homework time for your child.

* Celebrate your child's successes. Congratulate your child for his effort and improvement.

                                                                                                   A student will be better prepared for classes if parents and educators work together to understand a student's personal learning style and use this knowledge to help the child excel in school and on homework.