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improving habits and
grades
is a mental game as much as it?s about capability. ?i truly believe that no matter their challenges, any
child
can absolutely be a success in the classroom,? says crawford. ?it?s important for your
child
to know that he has what it takes to do well, and that you will help him. you don?t want him to spiral. you want him to feel like he has some positives and that he has some skills,? adds harris. jacoby encourages
parents
to focus on the heart of your
child
, reminding him to work hard, and that he doesn?t have to be perfect. his effort in the classroom matters more than just the outcome. finding help no matter the student?s age, when you see slipping
grades
, it?s best to be proactive. if, after seeking advice from his teacher and school,
grades
are still falling, a professional may be helpful. tutors can be invaluable to help your son gain study skills and develop habits he needs to move toward his goals. while
parents
are likely more than capable of helping their students get organized, most kids have an issue hearing it from their
parents
. both kumon and best in class offer individualized, one-on-one tutoring that can help students get back up to grade level and beyond. other tutoring options in baton rouge include mathnasium, sylvan learning center and varsity tutors. some schools even offer peer tutoring, which can be an invaluable, and likely free, resource. if tutoring also doesn?t yield the desired improvement, families should consider testing to determine if there are learning differences at play that can be accommodated in the classroom. your
child
?s principal, school counselor, pediatrician and tutor are good places to start looking for referrals. ?evaluated is not a bad word,? crawford says. ?i?ve never had a
child
that?s had an educational evaluation who has not come out better for it.? crawford also says to remember other
parents
who have had similar experiences, and she recommends reaching out to those you may know for personal advice and recommendations. bringing kids on board getting insight from your kids is the most important part for the success of any grade improvement plan. crawford explains that while
parents
may think their way is the best way, it?s important that the
child
feels like the plan is his own. and harris agrees, ?the more
parents
can develop intrinsic motivation in a
child
, the better. the results are important too, but we don?t want to make it all about that.? jacoby encourages you both to keep perspective. ?the goal is to focus on work ethic rather than
grades
. and while we do want to progress grade to grade, no one asks you for your second and third grade report cards later in life,? she says. when it comes to helping your
child
in the face of slipping
grades
, be proactive, don?t procrastinate at tackling the underlying issues that may have led to lower
grades
, advocate for your
child
, and teach him to self-advocate as well. ? 8 2 b r p a r e n t s . c o m | j a n u a r y 2 0 1 9
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