Your child’s grades are low, like lower than expected. Things need to change. You want your child to feel success at school.
But you’re not sure where to start or what to say to get help.
Exactly What to do When Your Child’s Grades are Low
It’s definitely challenging to know how to start. Instead of just throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks, follow this roadmap to success at school.
Reach Out ASAP
The best thing you can do when your child’s grades are low is to use that amazing parent-teacher team that you’ve built. You’ll get insights into your child’s school day, plus the teacher will probably also point you towards great resources, too.
The first and best way to reach out when grades are low is to send an email. Include this:
- Your child’s name
- The subject(s) you’re concerned about
- A specific assignment, grade, or series of grades you’re concerned about
Make sure you ask about next steps or setting up a meeting.
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DIY Learning at Home
The best time to add a learning booster is right when you notice a problem. There are so many ways to enrich your child’s education at home right now. From workbooks to online learning portals, you’ve got it all.
When you are stuck, one the best things to do is find free resources first.
I LOVE these resources for math and reading.
Another great resource is workbooks. Whether you are headed to an actual bookstore or ordering online, there are thousands of great books on the market. Look for something that might appeal to your child visually and is slightly lower than their current grade level.
For example, a child struggling with 5th-grade math might do well with a 4th-grade math workbook. Your child will feel successful and review key content to help him progress!
Don’t overlook Teachers Pay Teachers either! There are so many free and super cheap downloads on here. From review worksheets or presentations to printable activities and flashcards, you can probably find exactly what you are looking for here.
Consider a Tutor
After you’ve talked to the teacher to find out what’s going on and tried at-home remedies, it’s time to call in the professionals.
Hiring a tutor is one of the best things for children struggling in school. This targeted intervention is often exactly what some students need to get back on track.
A great tutor will work with your child’s teacher(s) to tailor at-home sessions to what is going on in class or to reteach trouble spots.
Nothing is Helping…
There might be something else going on.
It’s time to talk to the teacher about the next steps to find the right help for your child. Response to Intervention (RtI) and special education might get tossed around.
At your meeting, you should:
- Let the teacher know that you are going to request testing for special education
- Ask the teacher to make copies of all in-class work going forward
- Request that either the originals or the copies be sent home at least weekly
- Ask the teacher to keep or share data about the areas of concern
- Check to see if there is anything else that could possibly be helpful
Remember that to formally request a special education evaluation, your request must be in writing and must be specific. Asking for “testing” isn’t going to cut it. You need to specify the area(s) in which you want your child tested, like math, social skills, speech and language, and reading comprehension.
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You should also provide a reason that you are requesting the tests. This is where those work samples and the data from the teacher will come in handy. Attach copies of all of this to your request letter along with any diagnostic information from medical professionals or additional testing.
How did you handle your child’s low grades? Share your best tips in the comments!
~Meg
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