We just got our sixth-grader’s semester report card. His grades have declined to mostly C’s from all B’s last year. Is there any simple solution to get him back on track?
— Want to Know
The first place to start is by talking with your son to get his input on why this happened. This could go a long way to a solution. Next, talk to his teacher. You want to make the following points:
- You are concerned because your son’s grades have gone from B’s to C’s.
- You want to work closely with the teacher to solve your son’s problem.
- You would like to know exactly what the problem is.
- You want to know what can be done to resolve the problem.
- You would like to receive regular reports on the progress your son is making in raising his grades.
Somehow, parents have gotten the idea that any time things don’t go well at school, an entire battery of tests should be administered. This is really only true for the small percentage of children who are learning-disabled or those whose problems truly puzzle their teachers.
An experienced teacher can often see that only a few simple steps are needed to help good students get back on the track to better grades. Problems can often be eliminated by a couple of help sessions with a teacher, some special drill or assistance from parents, or even help from a classmate. For example, if your child has fallen behind in math because he hasn’t really caught onto a new skill. The teacher may decide to reteach the lesson, or you could reinforce the learning of this skill at home, and the child might also get help from a classmate or tutor. Just don’t wait until your child is thoroughly frustrated and discouraged to do something about the problem.
Her teachers complain that my fifth-grader tends to visit or talk in class rather than listening to what is going on. This not-new habit is resulting in lower grades this year. How is it possible to break this bad habit?
— Intervention Needed
Teachers do become frustrated when students are not listening in class. Listening is a real information provider. Did you realize that 50% to 75% of students’ time in the classroom is spent listening to the teacher, other students, and audio media presentations? Now that your daughter’s grades are being affected, it is time to work with her about curbing her talking in class.
Try to find the reason she talks so much in class. Is it boredom, sitting by a talkative friend, or to get attention? By finding out why, you can begin to prevent and address her behavior. The next step is to ask her how this problem can be solved. If she can’t come up with any solutions, you can suggest some: changing her seat, writing down what she is going to say instead of talking, and clasping her hands together. The most satisfactory solution, of course, is for her to come up with ways she can curb her excessive talking in class.
Do observe how your child handles conversations. If she is an interrupter, practice having back-and-forth conversations with her.
Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher.com. To learn more about helping children succeed in school, visit the Dear Teacher website.
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