How Do I Support My Child’s Learning with the Progress Report?

by Julie Diamond, OCT

For Ontario families, when you get your child's progress report, it can be a mix of feelings for both you and your child. In Ontario, these first semester mid-term reports don't have traditional grades, so it's a chance to connect positively with your child's education. Here’s how you can go through the report in a helpful way with your child.

1. **Keep it Positive at Home**

Before diving into the report, create a positive vibe at home. Tell your child that you're proud of their efforts, no matter what their grades are. This sets the stage for a helpful discussion, making the review process about improvement, not punishment.

2. **Get to Know the Grading System**

Learn about the grading system used by your child's school. In Ontario public schools, they use the same six learning skills and work habits from grades 1 to 12. These include things like responsibility, organization, and collaboration. There's also room for the teacher to add comments about your child's strengths and areas for improvement.

If your child is in elementary school, they get one progress report in the fall and two report cards later on. They won't get grades on the progress report, just updates on their progress.

In high school (aka secondary school), if your child is in a school with semesters, they will get two report cards and if they are in a school without semesters, they will get three report cards. Secondary (high school) students will NOT get a progress report - only elementary students.

 For a more detailed breakdown of the reports in Ontario, click here.

3. **Start with Strengths and Achievements**

Focus on the positive aspects first. Look at the comments, talk about goals, and discuss homework habits. Concentrate on your child's strengths and achievements. This builds their confidence and encourages them to try.

4. **Address Areas for Improvement**

While celebrating achievements, be ready to talk about areas that need improvement. Identify patterns in subjects where your child might be struggling and consider getting a tutor if needed.

If your child is reluctant, or resistant to the idea of getting an online tutor, try involving them in the process of finding a teacher who tutors and give them choices between tutors. Providing input and finding a tutor they feel a connection with might help them ‘buy into’ the idea. Hiring a teacher who tutors will also give you peace of mind that they know the curriculum and understand the assessment process at school.

5. **Stay in Touch with Teachers**

Keeping in touch with your child's teachers is crucial (and if you get an online tutor be sure to connect the tutor with the classroom teacher). Attend parent-teacher conferences and reach out if you have concerns. Teachers can provide valuable insights into your child's progress and suggest additional support if needed.

6. **Consider Extracurricular Activities**

Think about how extracurricular activities might affect your child's school performance. Discuss the importance of managing time and prioritizing responsibilities.

7. **Create a Supportive Learning Space at Home**

Success isn't just about what happens at school. Make sure there's a quiet space for homework at home, limit screen time, and establish a routine that includes both study and relaxation. Children and teens should have less than 2 hours of screen time a day. Try integrating an hour of no screen time before bed for the whole family – have game night, go for a walk, do a puzzle together, or set time for reading independently, etc. Check out these different printable word, math and visual puzzles (FREE!) online.

8. **Encourage Goal Setting**

Goal setting is so important to motivate and help your child build grit (a can-do attitude). It also encourages them to take ownership of their learning and empowers them when they do achieve a goal.

To be successful with goal setting, your child may need your help so you can find guidance to help you here:

·       First, let them choose the goal(s).

·       Then discuss the purpose of the goal;

·       Break down the goal into smaller steps. A visual like a

staircase or a map is helpful for many kiddos;

·       Talk about potential obstacles in their way.

If you need a little more assistance, goal setting is part of our tutoring program. Our students create learning goals with their online tutors using our Success Strategy template. This is then shared as a Google doc and updated by the online tutor after each session outlining the student’s progress and feedback for improvements. Check out more information about the benefits of goal-setting for online tutoring.

Reviewing your child's report isn't just about grades; it's a chance to be part of their education journey and motivate them to be accountable for their learning as well. By keeping things positive, understanding the grading system, and working with teachers, you can create an environment that supports your child's growth.

Remember, it's not just about academic success but also about helping your child become a capable and confident learner.