Can you believe we’re already nearing the midpoint of the 2023 school year? It’s a great time to pause, take a breath, and assess how students are progressing. If your child is not achieving the academic results they are capable of this year, this post may provide you with some ideas and strategies that you can use to help your child improve and achieve to their potential, by the end of this school year.
1. ACADEMIC ADVANCEMENT: How is your child progressing academically this year? Read through your child’s Semester 1 report with them at the end of this term. Discuss their grades, teacher comments, and any formal assessments or test results they have received. Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s achievements and identify any areas where they would benefit from extra support or assistance. If your child receives a grade that is lower than expected, it is so important to remind them that they are capable and receiving a low grade just means that they have not learned a concept yet, a low grade does not mean that they are not a capable student.
2. STUDY HABITS AND LEARNING STRATEGIES: Take a moment to evaluate your child’s study habits and learning techniques. Are they effectively managing their time and employing effective study methods? Engage in meaningful conversations with your child about their study routines, offering guidance and resources to enhance their learning whilst studying. Assisting your child to develop effective study skills and routines will benefit them greatly throughout their educational journey.
3. SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL WELL BEING: Beyond academics, consider your child’s social and emotional well-being. How are their interactions with peers? Are they able to regulate their emotions and demonstrate resilience when dealing with challenges?. Encouraging open dialogue with your child to ensure you are aware of and understand their experiences, enables you to provide them with guidance and support when needed.
4. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Reflect on your child’s involvement in extra-curricular activities. Are they striking a healthy balance between academic responsibilities is very important. Assisting your child to prioritise their extra curricular activities and manage their commitments effectively, will assist them to keep on top of their school work.
4. COLLABORATING WITH TEACHERS: Establishing effective communication with your child’s teachers is invaluable. Reach out to them to gain insights into your child’s progress. Arrange parent-teacher meetings or initiate email exchanges to discuss any concerns you may have. Developing a positive partnership with your child’s teacher/s, even if you do not agree with how they teach your child, fosters a supportive environment for your child’s academic growth.
5. SETTING NEW GOALS FOR SEMESTER 2: As we embark on the second half of the school year, it’s an opportune time to assist your child to set new goals to guide their study routines for Semester 2. Encouraging your child to reflect on their academic aspirations and identifying any areas they would like to improve, is a positive way to assist them with their goal setting. Setting realistic and attainable goals is likely to motivate your child and provide them with a sense of direction and purpose. Regularly revisiting these goals with your child to track their progress and celebrate their achievements, is a very useful way to help your child to reflect on strategies that are assisting them to achieve their goals or behaviours that are preventing them from achieving their goals.
6. SEEKING EXTRTA SUPPORT: Should your child require supplementary academic support, explore available resources such as tutoring services or educational programs. Consult with their teachers to identify areas that may benefit from focused attention. Personalised tutoring can provide your child with the necessary understandings, knowledge and skills they need to achieve to their potential at school.
Congratulations on making it this far in the 2023 school year! As we approach the midpoint, celebrating your child’s achievements and identifying any areas that they would benefit from having extra support in, will help them to enjoy learning and have an academically successful year.
TRACEY HAND | CO-FOUNDER
