School mid-point gives opportunities
For most families, the arrival of the mid-term report provides a great opportunity for parents and children to reflect on the past and plan for a successful conclusion to the school year. Here are a few ways you can help your child look forward to the end of the year.
Take stock of progress so far
Your child’s report card is a reflection of past performance, indicating your child’s strengths and weaknesses. It is an opportunity to celebrate the strengths and determine what additional steps can be taken to strengthen the weaknesses.
Assess study habits and home environment
Many parents start the school year with strict schedules for homework. By mid-year, extracurricular and family activities make these schedules difficult to follow. This is a good time for children and their parents to take a good look at how, where, and when homework is being done. Is enough time being spent on homework or is it squeezed in between other activities? Is it a priority or an afterthought? Parents need to consider their role in homework completion. Are you helping to maintain a quiet environment? Have you made sure your child has an adequate workspace and the tools to work with? Does your child have the necessary study skills to be successful?
Help your child set goals
Like adults, children feel successful when they achieve their goals. Sit with your child and read the report card together. Celebrate successes with your child. Listen to your child’s comments about the weaker areas. Ask about what he or she would like to see on the next report card. Then, help your child to set some clear, achievable, short term goals. Make sure the goals are specific. For example, getting an A in English or Math is too vague, too far away and possibly not reasonable. Encourage your child to work in small steps. Improving paragraph writing for the next assignment or mastering three more multiplication tables are examples of short term goals. Once the goals are determined, the next step is making a plan to achieve them. An important part of this step is talking to the teacher. Schedule a meeting with you, your child and the teacher. Ask for specific details. For example, “What skills does my child need to develop in order to write better paragraphs? Are there any academic skill gaps that need to be addressed? Can you suggest a strategy we can work on together to improve success.” Make sure your child is a part of this conversation.
Remember the power of praise
Parents should be their child’s greatest cheerleader. Make sure your child knows that you believe in him or her. Acknowledge all of the special skills and qualities that make your child unique. Find ways to honestly praise your child for things both great and small. Small steps are the beginning of big gains. “I really liked your positive attitude when you edited your story.” “Thank you for helping to clear the table.” “Your handwriting is really improving!” “I like the way created a schedule to share the computer with your brother.”
A good report card doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s a team effort involving parents, children and teachers. Working as a team allows your child to strive for the best he or she can do without undue pressure or fear of failing.
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