A Guide to Your Child's Report Card: How to Make It a Positive Experience

by Julie Diamond, OCT

**This post takes about 4 minutes to read**

As February arrives, parents eagerly await their child's report card and the chance for a chat with the teacher. It's an important time to think about your child's school journey, celebrate the good stuff, and work on areas that need a bit more attention. Here are some tips to make this experience a positive and helpful one:

1. Look at the Report Card on Your Own:

Before talking with your child, take some time to read their report card by yourself. Note down the good things and the areas where they can do better. Planning what you want to talk about beforehand can make your conversation more positive. Remember, every school year is different, and some subjects are trickier than others.

2. Read the Report Card Together:

When you sit down with your child to go over the report card, make it a team effort. Ask them what they think about it. This opens up a conversation and helps you understand things from their point of view. Celebrate together and try not to compare your child to others. Everyone learns in their own way, and that's okay.

3. Promote a Balanced Perspective:

Remind your child that a report card is just one aspect of their overall development. Encourage them to participate in extracurricular activities, hobbies, or sports, fostering a well-rounded approach to learning. This broader perspective helps them understand that success is not solely defined by grades but also by personal growth and experiences outside the classroom.

4. Talk About Learning and Special Plans:

If your child gets extra help in school (like an Individual Education Plan or IEP), use this time to talk about how things are going. Ask if they feel supported and if they're getting the help they need. For older kids (typically I recommend students aged 12), encourage them to talk to their teacher about their needs. Keeping the communication open helps your child feel comfortable coming to you with any problems or ideas for making things better.

5. Explore Learning Styles:

Take this opportunity to discuss different learning styles with your child. Understanding how they learn best—whether through visual aids, hands-on activities, or auditory methods—can significantly impact their academic performance. Work together to identify effective study techniques tailored to their unique learning style, making the learning process more engaging and enjoyable.

6. Create a Dedicated Study Space:

Enhance your child's learning environment by establishing a dedicated study space at home. Ensure it is quiet, well-lit, and equipped with necessary supplies. By involving your child in the setup process, they develop a sense of ownership over their study area, contributing to a focused and organized approach to homework and study sessions.

7. Encourage Peer Support:

Foster a sense of community by encouraging your child to collaborate with classmates. Discussing homework, studying together, or participating in study groups can provide valuable support and alternate perspectives. This not only enhances their understanding of academic material but also strengthens interpersonal skills and builds a supportive network.

8. Plan for a Better Report Card:

Instead of just looking at what's happening now, think about the next report card. Work with your child to figure out where they can do better and set goals together. Write down the steps you both will take to reach these goals. If there are subjects you don't know much about, talk with your child about getting extra help from a tutor, a family member, or a friend.

9. Keep Talking and Check Progress:

If you go to the Parent-Teacher Interview with the teacher, discuss it with your child and ask what they think before and afterward. Share their goals with the teacher and stay connected. As the school term goes on, find time to talk with your child regularly. Instead of just asking yes or no questions like "Did you do your homework?" try questions like "What was the best part of your day?" or “What’s one thing you learned today?” These types of questions can help keep the conversation open and helps you understand how your child is doing.

10. Stay Positive and Focus on Progress:

Focus on the good things your child is doing. Praise them for working hard, asking for help, or when they keep going even when things are tough. These are important qualities that help them get through difficult times.

By following these tips, you can make the report card experience a positive one, helping your child not only in school but also in building resilience and good communication skills. Being involved in your child's education goes beyond just looking at grades; it's about supporting their overall growth.