Bad report card? You need to act quickly. A bad grade is a big warning sign that something isn’t right and the sooner it gets addressed the better. You see, education is a foundational building block system and teachers just don’t have the time to go back and reteach concepts from previous grades. That means when your child is missing fundamental building block knowledge, they fall further behind with each passing grade.
There is much that you as a parent can do to inspire and support your child in getting the best possible grades they can. Here are a few easy ways in which you can create an environment that supports growth and learning.
Be supportive
Having a supportive family who believe in you is the first step to improved academic success. Believe that they will improve and focus on the positive. Help them to set realistic goals and be their most enthusiastic cheerleader.
Get involved
Parental involvement is one of the key pillars to student success in academics and in life. Find time to help with homework, help out at school and to get to know their teachers and friends. Speak with their teachers about ways in which you can support their growth at home. Their teachers know what they need and can give great advice on how you can help at home.
Get a tutor
Remember what we were saying about building blocks? An in-home and online tutor can work with your child to find those missing building blocks in their knowledge and fill in the gaps. Not only can a one-to-one tutor bring your child up to speed, but they can actually help them to move ahead. Ensure that you select a tutor who also teaches executive skills.
Executive skills are key
To excel at school, your child needs to have study and organizational skills which are known as executive functions. They have to be organized enough to ensure that homework and assignments are done on time and that they are sufficiently prepared for exams and tests. They also have to prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively to balance school, life and sport. Teaching executive functions will equip your child with the skills they need to succeed.
Learning styles
Children don’t all learn in the same way; some are visual learners while others are auditory or kinesthetic learners. Find out which learning styles your child responds to best and then help them to convert information so that they can study smarter, not harder.
Routine maintenance
Start a routine. This will help your child to be organized and manage time effectively. Pick a time for homework when your child is rested and ready which means not right after school and not too late at night. Create a quiet environment free of distractions and siblings where your child can do homework in peace. Ensure that they are fed a healthy diet with tons of fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains. Encourage them to exercise every day and get outside as often as possible.
