What you need to know about your child’s report card

tomtidgewellNovember 19, 2022

What if my child isn’t doing well?

The gradebook at the beginning of the school year is the baseline. Getty Images/iStockphoto

With the report card just around the corner, it’s only natural for parents and children to be nervous.

Questions such as “How is my child doing?” and “Why didn’t he or she do what I expected?” comes up frequently. It is important to learn what is required for student assessment and better understand how to accept, deal with and move forward with what is written on your child’s report card.

There are a few things to keep in mind when reading and interpreting report cards.

Teachers have guidelines and standards to follow. Guidelines are provided by the Quebec Ministry of Education regarding weighted tests and assessments. It’s true that different teachers have different styles, but there are requirements that must be met. I think the more grades (official and unofficial) the better. It gives an overall grade based on the child’s ability in tests, conversations, application of knowledge not only on paper but also orally. You can also observe how your child participates in class settings, group settings, and individual tasks.

Your first report card for the year is your baseline. Grades can be lower than expected and comments can be disappointing. This is an opportunity to adjust, reflect and acknowledge your child’s performance at school so that improvements can be planned.

There is a misconception that grade cards directly reflect a child’s learning ability. However, the report card is based on observation and testing. Some kids don’t do well on tests, others fall behind. No human being is perfect, including the one you created. The good thing is that there are many resources available to help children get where they need to be.

Strategies include completing homework, reading nightly, and practicing basic math facts, but the reality is that many children do well not because they can’t succeed, but because they don’t try hard enough. Reading, math and homework are often secondary to extracurricular activities. Who wants to stay home after a long day at work or school? have been shown to perform better than children who do not.

What should I do if my initial report card is not what I expected?

Avoid getting upset and look for things you can do to help your child thrive, like hiring a tutor or downloading an app.

Involve your child in decision making. If the report card says they have very few passing grades in math, ask your child if they feel they are struggling and involve them in an improvement plan. Some ideas include using flash cards and playing games like Prodigy and Math Playground. Ask your teacher what programs your child uses at school.

Create an evening routine. It’s normal to not want to spend the night doing homework after a long day. The best time to do schoolwork is after school with healthy snacks and a comfortable space. Spend time reading and practicing everyday facts regularly. Specific days can be reserved for specific subjects. Prioritize reading and math practice as they are the main focus in school.

Please contact your tutor. If you notice that your child is really struggling with a subject, ask your teacher for a tutor recommendation.Some organizations, such as LEARN Quebec, offer free tutoring services subject to availability. doing.

Check your child’s calendar daily. Their homework is always on the agenda. Practice reviewing the agenda with your child, as it sets the standard for success. A child who comes to school with incomplete homework is already late for class that day. It becomes difficult to determine if your child understands certain topics.

Please check with your child’s teacher. As teachers, we have to see and evaluate many students. We don’t always have time to reach out to parents of students in need. However, many teachers have an open door policy so you can reach out if needed. Sending your teacher a check-in request or talking about your child’s struggles is a great way to stay up-to-date before the grade cards are released.

Please be kind. Children can also feel stress and anxiety. They know when they are struggling with something, personally or academically. Leave an open space for dialogue. Let your child know that it’s okay to struggle sometimes. Teach your child about the importance of learning from their mistakes and challenging themselves to become better. Once that light bulb goes out, the confidence you see is really rewarding.

Bianca Ferrara is a Quebec school teacher. You can send her questions, anecdotes and feedback to bianca.ferrara3@hotmail.com. I would love to hear what you have to say!

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