Academic Checkup

 As the school year nears an end, experts suggest now’s the right time for parents to communicate with students about the past year’s academic progress and assess what the ensuing year will bring.
Relying on report cards alone to measure how well your child is progressing with school often isn’t enough; parents need to become actively engaged if they expect their child to be better prepared for academic challenges ahead.
Start by asking children about difficulties they have with subjects such as math and reading, since skill gaps in these core areas have a major effect in future academic success.
It’s important to take time to talk with your child about grades and to commend academic areas where your child is doing well, as well as to identify areas where your child is falling behind.
Listen for clues in your conversation like, “My teacher doesn’t know how to teach me,” or, “I’m just not that interested in this class.”
Parents should be prepared with questions that engage and encourage a child’s self-assessment:
• What is your best subject and why?
• What is your worst subject and why?
• Do you feel the grades you receive are fair?
• Do you have a hard time with homework?
• What do you need in order to study better next year?
Parents should also ask a few questions of themselves:
• Does my child have the best environment that’s suitable for homework?
• What subjects am I most able or unable to help my child with?
• Am I the best person to help my child overcome academic skill gaps?
Report cards provide a good academic overview of your child’s performance, but seldom complete the whole story; so ask your child’s teachers about what other factors may be influencing grades, such as classroom participation, behavior, and homework.
“While the summer break ahead should be a time for relaxation and fun, it’s also the best time to prepare for challenges of the next academic level,” notes Chad Schwartz, founder of Tutoring Club.  “Maybe a quiet place to study is all your child needs to get ahead next year; or there may be skill gaps you need to address now to catch up during the summer.”
Ask about a free academic checkup at Tutoring Club as part of an individualized Summer Camp program that’s guaranteed to help your child succeed.
To learn more, contact Tutoring Club at 661-702-9956 or visit us at www.tutoringclub.com.