Follow six steps when talking about your child’s report card

Your Child and You

Follow six steps when talking about your child’s report card

Report card time can make parents almost as anxious as students. Is your child on track? Is she learning what she needs to know? Are you doing all you can to support her in school?

You can—and should—make report card time a chance to talk about your child’s progress in school. You should also talk about your expectations.

Here are six things to do when her report card comes home:

  1. Take it seriously. No, a report card can’t tell you everything about how your child is doing. But your child’s teacher spends a lot of time making sure that the report card shows you a snapshot of where your child is now. Take time to read it carefully. Talk about it with your child.
  2. Find something to praise. Even if your child didn’t do as well as you’d hoped, look for something positive. Be sure to read the comments about your child’s behavior and work habits.
  3. Don’t lose your temper if your child’s grades weren’t what you’d expected. Wait until you can talk calmly about what you and your child can do to improve her grades.
  4. Let your child know what you expect. Say things like, “You don’t have to be the best. But I do expect you to do your best.” Remind her that effort is as important as ability.
  5. Look at your child’s work. You only see a report card a few times a year. But you can look at the work your child is doing every day. Does she do her homework? Does she do her best? There is a link between how hard students work and how much they learn. Point that out to your child.
  6. Help your child develop good work habits. A child who sets aside time every day to read will learn to read better. A child who practices math every day will master math facts.

If you or your child has any questions about her report card be sure to schedule a conference with the teacher.

Reprinted with permission from the November 2006 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2006 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: GreatSchools.net Staff, “Understanding Report Cards,” Great Schools.net, www.greatschools.net/cgi-bin/showarticle/CA/30/improve.