Family Matters: How to deal with disappointing June exam results from a support learning specialist

Jun 12, 2024

Promoting Open Communication
Open communication fosters a trusting relationship where your child feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. Encourage ongoing dialogue about school and other aspects of their life, creating a supportive home environment. This approach helps your child feel understood and valued, strengthening your bond and ensuring they know they can rely on you for support and guidance.

Identifying Areas for Improvement
Helping children understand that life is about improvement and learning is crucial. By pinpointing specific strengths and challenges in your child’s academic performance, you can collaboratively develop strategies and set goals for improvement. This process not only enhances their academic skills but also teaches them valuable life lessons about perseverance and self-improvement.

Boosting Self-Confidence and Motivation
Reinforcing the value of effort (quality over quantity) and progress boosts your child’s confidence. Motivate your child to take ownership of their learning and strive for personal and academic growth. Celebrating their achievements can significantly enhance their self-confidence and encourage them to set and achieve higher goals.

Teaching Self Discipline and Reflection
Teaching your child about discipline and reflection is essential. Focus on the importance of effort and progress rather than perfection. Encourage regular revision and reflection to understand their learning process and identify areas for improvement. This practice helps them develop a growth mindset, fostering resilience and a proactive attitude towards challenges.

How to Speak to Your Child about Their Report
Create a supportive environment and ensure the conversation about their report is held in a calm and private setting. Approach the discussion with a proactive, calm, and encouraging tone, emphasising effort and progress rather than focusing solely on grades. For instance, instead of saying, “You are terrible at Afrikaans,” say, “Afrikaans is an area we can build on and find ways to assist you.” Discuss the comments on the report, as they highlight characteristics and are not just grade-oriented.

Active Listening and Open Dialogue
Ask open-ended questions to understand your child’s perspective. Encourage them to express their feelings about their report, and listen attentively without interrupting or passing judgment. This practice helps them feel heard and respected, fostering a more open and honest dialogue.

Setting Goals and Planning Improvements
Collaboratively set realistic and achievable goals for improvement, such as the 5% rule, and use analogies like the elastic band to illustrate gradual progress. Discuss age-appropriate strategies and resources to help achieve these goals. Establish a follow-up plan to review progress and adjust as needed, ensuring your child feels supported and guided throughout their journey.

Comparing versus Self-Comparison
Avoid comparing your child to siblings, classmates, or grade levels. Instead, focus on self-comparison by emphasising their own abilities and progress. Be mindful of your own experiences with school reports, and use them to empathise with and support your child.

Rewarding Efforts
Consider appropriate rewards and consequences that reinforce effort rather than just outcomes. Recognise and reward your child’s hard work and progress, helping them understand that effort is valued and important.

Identifying Learning and Study Challenges
Evaluate whether your child understands effective revision and study techniques, and assess their ability to manage time and organise their study schedules. This helps identify gaps in their study habits and provides an opportunity to teach them better strategies.

Recognising Emotional and Psychological Factors
Determine if anxiety or stress is impacting your child’s performance, and observe for signs of low motivation or lack of confidence. Addressing these emotional and psychological factors is crucial for their overall well-being and academic success.

Understanding Academic Skills and Knowledge
Ensure your child comprehends the subjects and concepts taught and knows how to approach and tackle exam papers, including interpreting and answering questions correctly. This foundational understanding is key to their academic performance.

Considering Holistic Factors
Be aware of external factors that affect your child’s performance, such as friendship conflicts, nutrition, loss, grief, and social dynamics. A holistic approach considers all aspects of your child’s life and how they interact.

Leveraging Technology Influence
Utilise technology to your advantage by finding educational tools and resources that can help your child in their studies. Balance screen time with other activities to ensure a healthy lifestyle. Screens should be viewed as a tool, not a necessity.

Engaging Teachers and School Counsellors
Schedule meetings with your child’s teachers to gain insights into their performance and behaviour in class. Seek guidance from school counsellors for emotional and social support, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your child’s development.

Seeking External Support
Consult various professionals as needed, such as educational psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, audiologists, optometrists, learning specialists, and counsellors. Tailored strategies and interventions can significantly benefit your child’s learning needs and overall well-being. There are different types of professionals with specific support they can provide, ensuring your child receives the appropriate assistance is pivotal.

Maintaining Confidentiality and Privacy
Ensure any information shared is kept confidential and secure. Obtain necessary permissions for processing and sharing information, respecting your child’s privacy throughout their educational journey.