I’m not going to ramble on here about organization, studying, paying attention, etc… Rather, I will discuss what I believe to be the 2 most important factors that help students improve grades.

1) Know the Basic Skills

 The biggest problem students have with math, reading, and writing, is that students don’t have the basic skills that are needed.  Math and writing in particular, require the cumulative understanding of skills.

For example, in order for a student to understand how to multiply fractions in grade 5, he must have several skills under his belt.  He must first understand the concept of a fraction (this is usually covered in grade 3).  Also, he must know his multiplication and division tables.  If a student has these skills, multiplying fractions shouldn’t be to difficult.

Another example is writing.  In order for a student to write a narrative essay, for example, she must be able to write a proper paragraph.  In order for her to write a proper paragraph, she must be able to write a topic and supporting sentence.  In order for her to write a topic sentence, she must know how to properly write a sentence.

So, this is the first secret to improve math and writing skills.

2) Make Everything Relevant

This is especially true for boys.  It is common for students to reject learning when they realize that it has no practical application.  I’ve heard students say, and ask, “Why do I need this?”.  Okay, they may not need all of the lessons, but they do need most of them.  The key here is to show students how they can use that which they learn.  For example, in math, fractions and decimals can be applied to buying video games on sale.  Geometry can be applied to angles with regards to passing and shooting in hockey and soccer.  Number skills are used every day in the collection of sports statistics and standings.

Applying writing skills to real life is more obvious.  For example, business reports, letters of request, job applications, love letters, advertisements, etc…

I believe that these two factors are paramount with regards to improving math grades and writing skills.  Students can be organized, study, and try to pay attention, but, it’s not enough.

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     I thought I would add one of my tips to my blog.  It seems that many students out there have difficulty writing a report.  Here is a little outline to get students started.

     A report is a factual piece of writing that contains information.  Reports involve research to explore a topic.

The key behind writing a good report is to be well organized.  Students must learn to organize their ideas and present them in a clear and succinct manner (the lesson on Report Writing here at Tutorgiant is one of my favorites).

     Here’s how to organize a report.

1.    Have your child choose a specific topic for the report assuming your child has a choice in the matter.

2.    Your child should decide on 3-5 main ideas to focus on.  For example, if your child is doing a report on elephants, he can focus on: 1) Appearance, 2) Diet,  3) Babies, 4) Behaviours 5) Predators

3.    Have your child find information on each of the 3-5 main ideas.  He/she can write the information in point form notes.  Make sure your child focuses on the facts. He should use relevant data, and good detailed information.  Graphic organizers are great tools to help with organization.

4.    Now, your child has enough information to write 3-5 paragraphs.  Help your child to write a topic sentence for each paragraph.  The topic sentences should introduce the paragraph’s content. Then, he can take his point form notes and put them together in sentences (see the tip on writing a paragraph..I go into more detail).

5.    After your child has the 3-5 paragraphs with good topic sentences, he/she should write a good, strong opening that tells the main idea of the report.  A good opening can be a question or very interesting fact.  A strong opening sentence makes the reader want to read on.

6.    A strong closing sentence or sentences finishes off the report.  The closing should sum up the report and connect the main ideas together.  It’s almost like a summary of the report.

7.    Finally, the fun part…edit and edit some more.  Have your child use an editing checklist, spell checker, thesaurus, and a good old fashioned dictionary. 

8.    When your child is finished, allow him/her to read the report out loud to family and/or friends.  Reading written work out loud is one of the best ways for a student to learn to self edit.

     Clearly, writing a report is not difficult once your child learns the proper organization and format.  It is important for your child to add in facts and details.  A report must have good factual information for the reader. 

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