It’s a new school year and time to motivate your kid to do better academically. First, find out what’s behind his poor grades, says DR RICHARD C. WOOLFSON.
Age by stage 7-9 years
It’s a new school year and time to motivate your kid to do better academically. First, find out what’s behind his poor grades, says DR RICHARD C. WOOLFSON.
“Could have done better” was the teacher’s summary in your child’s report card last year. It made your heart sink, because you know he has the potential to achieve much more in school, and yet he just doesn’t get those high grades that he is capable of.
You can help pull him out of this under-achieving phase by uncovering the real reason behind his performance. Here are some possible explanations:
The reason This particular stage of curriculum is too challenging for him.
The solution When a child struggles with the curriculum, perhaps because the material is too demanding or he didn’t understand a series of lessons, he may benefit from extra help and support.
After-school classes on that particular subject, or temporary tuition, could also be useful. Talk to his new form teacher about this.
The reason He is careless and doesn’t pay enough attention to details.
The solution While he understands everything he is taught in class, his lackadaisical approach to everything causes him to make careless errors in assignments and exams, such as spelling and grammar mistakes, and misreading the question because he was too fast. Teach him how to check his work before he hands it up.
The reason He is too disorganised.
The solution Teach him to set out his study table neatly, to check that he has all his books, papers and pencils together before he starts a learning task, and to take a systematic approach to homework.
He may be very impulsive, starting a task before he is ready, so encourage him to slow down and plan so that he doesn’t forget anything.
The reason He isn’t interested in school.
The solution Raising Junior’s enthusiasm isn’t easy because that bored look draws over his face the moment you start talking about school.
Point out the benefits of trying harder in class, such as an increased sense of satisfaction, improved self-esteem and pride that is associated with academic success. Gentle encouragement usually works better than punishment for lack of effort.
The reason He can’t concentrate.
The solution Boost it by removing all distractions when he’s studying at home – turn off the TV, remove his smartphone and unplug any background music.
Suggest that he tries to study for several short periods (say, three blocks of five minutes with five-minute breaks in between) instead of one long study period of 15 minutes without a break.
The reason He doesn’t have a home study plan.
The solution Discuss this with him, and agree on a structured plan of revision that is realistic and manageable. Write this out clearly and pin it up on his bedroom wall.
Remind him to check it each day so that he knows exactly what he has to do that evening. Make sure the study plan contains plenty of breaks and rest periods as well.
The reason His friends are anti-school.
The solution Your child is very influenced by his peers and their attitudes, and if he mixes with pupils who are uninterested in academic achievements, his own values will soon reflect this.
That’s why you need to watch his friendships very carefully. Encourage him to develop friendships with children who have strong academic values, but do this subtly.
The reason He has a learning difficulty.
The solution A child with this condition will struggle to keep up with his classmates. If you think this could the source of the problem, speak to his teacher and express your concerns.
Ask for him to have an assessment that can identify whether or not he has a learning problem – if he has, suitable teaching support or external help from experts can help improve his condition.
