Half-time Adjustments - Ensuring Academic Success

Can you believe this school year is practically half over? It seems like just yesterday that our biggest school related dilemma was choosing the right backpack. Now, grading periods have past, parent-teacher conferences have occurred and patterns (good and bad) have settled in. It is likely for most children that this holiday break is a well deserved, and welcomed rest. For us parents, it is also a time to consider ways in which we can bolster our children to ensure a successful end of the school year.

Our children need our continued support to finish the school year strong. For those experiencing difficulty, a triumphant school year still remains within grasp if parents assist children in setting realistic and achievable goals for the upcoming grading periods. Like many great coaches, parents may now need to make "half-time adjustments" to support their children. To do this, consider using the 3 "R's"---Reassure, Review,and Renew.

REASSURE
Children really want to do well in school. When children experience a series of academic disappointments, they are sometimes left feeling incapable of success. It is critical that we reassure them of their capabilities to build their confidence and sense of optimism. Discuss your child's performance with him. Be positive! Compliment him on a job well done. Be specific with your praise. If your child has not excelled academically, find something to highlight, even if the area of strength is in effort or citizenship. When discussing challenges, remind your child that the new year brings with it a new beginning, and that you are there to help him reach his attainable goals.

REVIEW
Reflect on the school year so far. What worked? What has become a challenge? Planning for future success requires us to look closely at past performance. Have homework assignments been recorded, completed and turned in on time? Was adequate time given to study for tests? Did your child have the required text books and supplies at home? Ask your child questions about possible reasons for her performance. Is the work load too difficult, or too easy? Is she experiencing difficulty with hearing, vision or focus? Talking with your child will cultivate in her a sense of responsibility and ownership. It will also help you identify areas of concern to share with your child's teacher or doctor.

RENEW
Renew your home environment so that it promotes academic success. Create a daily routine that provides for adequate homework time and rest. Provide a quiet place to do homework. Replenish supplies and provide organizational tools. Teach study skills.--(creating flash cards, using mnemonics,etc.) Be available to help study and answer questions. Provide educational toys and games. Enriched, educational home environments motivate children and foster learning.

Once you have identified impediments to your child's academic success,create a plan of action that is realistic and related to the problems. Share the plan with your child, sharing specific ways in which goals can be met.--including consequences if they are not. Build the home/school connection by informing your child's teacher of your plan and ask for her support. Check-in with her regularly. Creating a positive home/school "team" relationship contributes significantly to student success.

Good self esteem fuels academic achievement! Remember to encourage your child by acknowledging improvements and successes. This will build confidence and create a desire to excel.
~Sheila~

Copyright © 2010 Gardener Parenting Consultants, LLC

Want to learn more about this topic? Enroll in our course, Ready...Set...Soar! Preparing for Academic Success. To register, follow this link to The Family Academy/ Alexandria City Public Schools

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