The first half of the school year has wound down. If you are noticing that your child’s grades are slipping, or if you think your child needs to apply himself a bit more, here are some tips to help.
The first half of the school year has wound down, and in the process, students have adjusted to schedules, teaching style, work loads, and the social pressures that the come with getting used to a new school year.
With the comfort that comes with establishing a routine, some students tend to start slacking in their efforts just as the terms progress. Most students remain mindful enough to keep their grades at the levels acceptable to their parents.
More effort always yields better results, and just keeping their heads above water should not be acceptable. If you are noticing that your child’s grades are slipping, or if you think your child needs to apply himself a bit more, here are some tips to help.
Keep a Routine at Home
Just as your kids will start to push the limits with school, so will you. As the year unfolds, you are likely to loosen the reins with regard to your established homework rules. Do not sway from your path. If anything, make the rules a bit stricter.
Schoolwork should be completed in a common area of the house like the dining room table. Depending on your child’s age, schoolwork should be done at the same time every night.
As students get older and extra curricular activities begin to consume schedules, a set time may be harder to enforce, but always have work done in a common area. 21st century learners feel that they are able to text, IM, SnapChat, Instagram, and effectively complete complex assignments.
However, research indicates multitasking while studying is counterproductive. When work is completed in a common area, distractions can be minimized and students can benefit by getting the assignment’s full benefit.
Enroll in Enrichment or Supplemental Learning Programs
Enrichment programs or supplemental learning programs such as those provided by Axiom Learning can keep kids ahead of the curve. Courses such as these tailor learning for the individual. Most schools offer programs that suit the masses.
If your child has a unique learning style, he may benefit from programs that can take the school’s curriculum and modify it to fit any unique learning needs.
Furthermore, some students are bored by what schools have to offer, and they need an extra push. Test prep programs are a great way to keep students thinking while helping them prepare for high stakes test.
These tests are a large contributing factor to any students’ future in higher education, and if a regular school day is boring for them, spending some time preparing for their future educational endeavors can be a great benefit.
Review Assessed Work to Ensure Growth
Most students do not realize the value of formative assessment. Often times, when work is completed, young scholars look immediately at the score and overlook any feedback. They want to see how they measure up on a grade scale. They need the validation of a ranking.
What many fail to realize is that one way to easily stay on top of the standings is to use any and all feedback as a tool for growth. Feedback is the ideal instrument for aiding student progress.
If you require your children to bring home work that has been assessed, and if you take the time to ask your learners why they missed what they missed, and more importantly, how are they going to avoid repeating their mistakes, the benefits will be tremendous.
More often than not, students see mistakes as a negative reflection of their ability. Teach your children to study their mistakes, and more importantly, learn from them, and you will see remarkable development in their aptitude.
Without a doubt, the middle of the year hump is a challenge for many students and parents alike. With an consistent routine, access to quality supplemental resources, and some contemplation, kids can end the home stretch successfully.
How do you keep your kids motivated?
A lot of schools now offer you the ability to see your child’s progress as the year goes on. So you can see if they missed turning in an assignment and the up to date status of their grade. This information is vital as you can see if they are struggling or slacking off and nip it in the bud early. Tutoring programs are good if your child is struggling. Great tips and information, thanks for sharing!