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From the Desk of Bill Cirone...
October 29, 1999
How To Know Your Child Is Doing Well
Parents have one very natural concern: Are my children doing well?
Parents want to know how to tell if their children’s progress is appropriate, whether the children are happy at school, and whether they have friends.
Parents may be surprised to learn that the best source for this information is the children themselves. If you have a child who does not volunteer information, be sure to ask questions. And then listen very carefully to the answers. Parents who talk to their children about school can spot trouble early, so that problems can be solved before they get out of hand.
Talking about school also reinforces the importance parents place on education. Plus, it lets children know that their parents care about what they are doing in school.
Children who are doing well usually prepare for their day cheerfully. Parents have little trouble getting these children up and off to school. They seem eager and prepared. Their homework is done and they are anxious to be with their friends. Success and happiness often go hand in hand.
If a child is unwilling to go to school, however, has few friends and acts out through behavior that is out of the norm, it’s time to ask for a conference with your child’s teacher.
The teacher will be able to provide insights into problems that exist, especially in areas that children might be unable to talk about. Sometimes children misidentify their problems. Asked why they appear unhappy, they might say they dislike their classroom teacher. After further investigation, the parent may discover it’s not actually the teacher that the child dislikes. It might be where the child sits in the classroom, or the student he or she sits beside. It could be that a concept being introduced in class is unclear and requires extra study. Learning the teacher’s observations during a conference might prove very useful in solving the problems.
In fact, parent-teacher conferences are always excellent opportunities to discuss any concerns parents may have and to check on a child’s progress. They’re also a good time to ask about ways to help your child at home.
Remember: you don’t have to wait for a scheduled conference. Just call your child’s teacher. You are a team. And working together can help make a child’s school experience more successful.
Measuring a child’s progress isn’t difficult, either. Be sure to monitor schoolwork and test results. Completing homework assignments on time will help your child score higher on quizzes and do better on essential skills tests.
Standardized tests will help you know where your child stands in relation to other students in the class and how he or she compares to students at the same grade level nationwide. If scores are low, your child may need additional practice and review. Your child’s teacher can advise you on ways to help your child master these skills. Be sure to ask!
© Santa Barbara County Education Office
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