Report card time is right around the corner!

Teachers have begun (or should be doing so soon) to average out grades from assignments and test from this term.  Some teachers, and districts, tend to look for trends in grades from the term.  For example, if your child started off this term with C’s and D’s, but somehow ended off this first term with B’s and perhaps a few A’s, your child could possibly get B’s or A’s on this upcoming report card.

Most teachers and districts, though, tend to average out your child’s grades from the term.  This means that all the A’s, B’s, C’s, and D’s count.

What can your child do now?

Well…first thing first.  Find out from your child’s teacher if a) there is still time left to submit work that could be counted for this report card, and b) find out your child’s grades.

Why?  Well, the reason to find out if there is still time left is obvious.  Let’s say your child is getting a B- in writing.  If there is still time left, you can ask your child’s teacher if your child can redo the report or essay that he got a lousy mark on early this term.  If there is time left, and there won’t be much, your child may still have a chance.  As for b), well, if your child is going to receive a B+ in reading, and that’s better than he’s ever done before, then you know that he doesn’t have to try to get a better grade during this crunch time.

Lastly, make sure you go to the report card interviews.  I have found that over the years, this first report card interview time is probably the most important event in the school year.  Why? Well, this is a great time to open communication and design a plan of action if your child is having trouble in a particular area.

admin Report Cards grades, interviews, report card, school, term

One more week!!! 

I’m highly anticipating the summer break but I already know what’s going to happen come September.  The first few weeks of school are going to be here in no time and most kids will have empty brains!

Parents, instead of having to wait until the November parent-teacher interviews, how about looking at the problem areas now instead of in the fall? 

This 3rd term report card is the perfect ‘tool’ for preventing the ‘November Surprise’.  Okay, I know, it’s the summer time…give the kids a break…let them have fun…

I agree, to a certain extent.  Let’s take a look at this 3rd term report card.  Let’s assume your child received a C+ on one of the math strands (strands meaning Number Sense, Measurement, Geometry, etc…).  Are you just going to wait until September and hope the problem rectifies itself?  I’m not suggesting summer school, no way!  But I am suggesting some kind of help. 

Here’s my suggestion.  Again, let’s say your child did poorly in number sense in grade 5 math.  As an experienced, certified teacher, I would suggest your child spend a few hours a week reviewing grade 5 number sense, AND previewing grade 6 number sense.

Keep all that math fresh in his (or her) head.  When September comes around, he’ll have a better grip on his grade 5 math, and definately some understanding of grade 6, even before it is taught.

I look at it this way.  Imagine you just went to the doctor and he said that you gained 15 pounds and your health has been comprimised.  Okay.  What are you going to do between now and the next doctor appointment?  Hopefully you are going to  to drop those 15 pounds, right?  Or you’ll at least try to drop them.  You probably won’t just say to yourself, “I’m just going to enjoy myself and wait for the next appointment.”

I’ve made these recommendations in the past to parents and for those who have followed it, their children clearly benefited.

Good luck!

admin Uncategorized Math, report card, summer