(Active Alex 11/2011 - Full Article)

Sports and activities are fun, but academics matter more to your child’s success. The first major milestone of the new school year is the first report card. Bob Schmitt, from Oxford Learning, said that while parents worry and wonder, they don’t need to get too stressed about the first school report card.

“The first report card of the school year is like a check-up on how your child is adjusting to the new grade,” said Schmitt. “The thing to keep in mind is that this report card is not the final word on grades—it is more about how your child is doing so far this school year.”

If there are poor grades, Schmitt recommends reading the teacher’s comments for more insight into your child’s classroom behaviour. “Sometimes a bad math or English mark can be linked to being too talkative, or daydreaming.”

These types of behaviors—and others—can mask a skill gap that is often the root of poor report card grades. Oxford Learning’s Dynamic Diagnostic Assessment, an innovative testing tool that pinpoints learning strengths and weaknesses, can help parents get a better understanding of the causes at the root of their child’s poor grades.

Aside from professional testing, there is much that parents can do at home to help themselves see the bigger picture. Schmitt recommends sitting down with your child to go over the report card as a simple way to get extra insight into your child’s grades and classroom performance. “A report card discussion is an important step in becoming an active participant in your child’s education.”

Five Tips To Talk to Kids About Their Report Card
These report card tips from Oxford Learning can help parents and children have an effective report card discussion.

Sit Down and Review Together
Make sure that there are no distractions so you can focus on one another and the conversation.

Don’t Get Upset
If you’re upset or angry about grades, hold the discussion until you can speak calmly and rationally.

Start with Empathetic and Positive Comments
Highlight something positive about the report card, no matter how trivial. For instance, “we are pleased with your spelling grade.”

Listen to Your Child
Recognize your child’s struggles. School can be tough. It is helpful to students to know that someone is listening to their concerns and complaints.

End with a Plan
Be optimistic and identify any next steps before you leave the table.

Founded in 1984, Oxford Learning uses innovative approaches to learning that have helped thousands of students to reach their educational goals. Customized programs based on the science of cognitive development help children to develop the skills that they need to succeed in school while they develop the confidence that they need to succeed in life.

Do you have questions about your child’s report card? Get answers! Contact Bob Schmitt at Oxford Learning Cary 919-462-3330 or email cary@oxfordlearning.com

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