What Strategies Can Help My Child Catch Up If They’re Behind in a Subject?
By Julie Diamond, OCT
Watching your child struggle in school can be tough. Whether it’s math, reading, or another subject, the good news is that there are ways to help them get back on track.
This week, I want to outline some practical strategies to help your child succeed and regain confidence.
1. Identify the Root Cause
Start by understanding why your child is struggling. Schedule a meeting with their teacher to pinpoint specific challenges.
Are there gaps in foundational knowledge?
Do they have trouble staying organized or motivated?
Once you understand the root cause, it’s easier to create an action plan tailored to their needs.
2. Set Clear, Achievable Goals
Work with your child to set realistic goals that are broken into smaller, manageable steps. For example:
Instead of “Get better at math,” try “Master multiplication tables for 6s, 9s, and 12s, by the end of the month.” Learn more about creating SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) in one of our previous blog posts.
Celebrate progress to keep them motivated.
At Diamond Teachers Group, goal-setting is part of every tutoring plan. Clear goals help students see their progress and build confidence over time. Check out more about how we set goals and plan ahead with our students using our learning plan template.
3. Establish a Consistent Study Routine
Consistency is key when trying to catch up. Create a schedule that includes:
Short Study Sessions: Focused 20-30 minute intervals with breaks in between. Setting a timer and creating a checklist can be great strategies to keep your child engaged.
Challenging Subjects First: Tackle the hardest subjects or questions when your child has the most energy.
Daily Practice: Regular review sessions to reinforce learning. Using engaging tools to help your child review, like Kahoot!, can keep them motivated. See #5 below for more tools.
Establishing a predictable routine can help your child develop good habits and feel more in control of their learning.
4. Consider Personalized Tutoring
For whatever reason, you may not be the best person to support your child with school and opt to enlist the help of a professional tutor. A tutor can:
Focus on your child’s specific needs and learning gaps.
Teach at their pace.
Use creative strategies to make learning engaging.
Align sessions with what they’re learning at school and even work ahead to build their confidence.
At Diamond Teachers Group, our certified teachers provide customized support that boosts confidence and closes learning gaps.
5. Use Online Tools and Resources
There are many resources to support your child’s learning at home:
For Math: Khan Academy, Prodigy, or Mathletics.
For Reading: Raz-Kids, Epic!, or Reading Rockets.
For Study Skills: Quizlet for flashcards and games.
These tools make it easier to practice and build skills in a fun, interactive way.
6. Incorporate Active Learning
Active learning helps children engage directly with material. Try these strategies:
Hands-On Activities: Practice fractions by baking or explore science through simple experiments.
Teach-Back Method: Have your child explain a concept in their own words.
Games and Puzzles: Turn learning into fun challenges.
Making learning interactive can boost understanding and retention. I am a HUGE advocate of active learning. Check out my previous blogs for different ways to help your child get active while learning in the summer or to keep them learning and engaged in the winter or spring.
7. Build Foundational Skills
Sometimes, catching up means revisiting the basics. If your child is behind:
Strengthen core math skills like addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
Focus on phonics and vocabulary to improve reading.
Foundational skills are the building blocks for more advanced learning. The school curriculum builds on past grades so closing those learning gaps now will help your child move forward.
8. Encourage a Growth Mindset
Help your child view challenges as opportunities to grow. Foster a positive outlook by:
Praising effort over results.
Using phrases like, “You’re not there yet, but you’ll get there with practice.” I prefer to say, “Practice makes better” instead of “Practice makes perfect” to relieve students’ (and my own!) stress and pressure to be perfect.
Sharing your own experiences with overcoming challenges.
This mindset helps children stay motivated and help build their confidence and grit to keep trying.
9. Stay in Touch With Teachers
Your child’s teacher is an invaluable partner. Regular communication can help you stay informed and get advice.
Ask questions like:
“What specific areas should we focus on at home?”
“Are there additional resources you recommend?”
“How can we support classroom lessons?”
Collaboration between home and school is key to your child’s success.
10. Create a Positive Learning Environment
Set up a quiet, clutter-free space where your child can focus. Make sure they have the tools they need, like pencils, paper, and a calculator, ready to go.
Additionally, maintain a supportive attitude. A calm, encouraging atmosphere can make a big difference in your child’s willingness to tackle challenges. Check out my previous blog post about how to set up the perfect study space for online tutoring.
11. Address Stress and Anxiety
Falling behind can lead to stress and anxiety, making it harder to learn. Look out for signs like:
Avoiding schoolwork.
Complaints about headaches or stomachaches.
Changes in mood or behaviour.
Help your child manage stress with mindfulness activities like deep breathing or yoga. At Diamond Teachers Group, we offer mindfulness tutoring to help students reduce anxiety and focus on learning.
12. Track Progress and Celebrate Wins
Keep a record of your child’s progress to show how far they’ve come. Use checklists or charts to mark milestones, and celebrate achievements along the way. Check out a previous blog on our site with practical tips to help your child with time management and organization.
Rewards don’t have to be big - a favourite snack, extra screen time, or a fun outing can go a long way in keeping them motivated.
Helping your child catch up in a subject takes time, patience, and the right strategies. By identifying challenges, setting goals, and creating a supportive learning environment, you can empower your child to succeed academically and feel confident in their abilities.