SIGNS YOUR CHILD IS STRUGGLING IN SCHOOL

Is your child calling in a sick day? This time of year, the problem could be academic, not the stomach flu. Although a sick day excuse can be fairly easy for a parent to spot, some other signs of academic trouble are more subtle.

The following signs are the most common signs that parents should be aware of:

• Lack of Motivation. Your child is resistant or unwilling to participate in school activities and assignments.

• Low Self Esteem. Your child avoids talking about school with you, becomes withdrawn or makes negative comments about his or her abilities. “It has been my experience,” says Schwartz, “that when a child’s confidence becomes shaken, all areas of that child’s life are affected. A child needs to be in an environment that fosters hope and success, tutoring is the best avenue to meet both goals."

• Homework Frustrations. "If parents have to constantly help a child complete his or her homework, or if that child experiences continual homework frustration, there's a problem," notes Schwartz.

• Behavior Problems. Children who "act up" in class or are constantly seeking help from other students may be having deeper problems than being "troublesome" or "lazy". These behaviors may be masking gaps in academic skill building.

• Slipping Grades. When you notice your child’s grades are slipping it’s a clear sign that the assigned tasks are either too difficult, or that your child lacks the requisite skills to accomplish the assignments. Often the problem is an inability to read at grade level. "The foundation for reading skills is laid down from kindergarten to 3rd grade," notes Schwartz. "If that foundation is shaky, it can affect virtually every other learning skill that children need to acquire."

• Weak Math Skills. Success in math is based largely upon mastery of basic skills - and the critical period for establishing this foundation is between 1st and 8th grade. If a child falls behind during this period, his or her ability to grasp high school algebra is very problematic.

Parents need to pay attention to problem indicators.  Sometimes it takes more than mom or dad telling their student to study. Parents need to understand that many students today do not know how to properly study for upcoming exams. Early intervention is the key in preventing skill gaps, which can hold your child behind. This is when individualized tutoring is most effective in setting your child up for future successes.

Tutoring Club uses the most advanced curriculum in tutoring, maintains low student to tutor ratios, pinpoints problem areas, and tracks the required skills to correct them. Tutoring Club’s successful motivational system provides a positive environment that reduces stress and builds your child’s confidence.

To learn more about Tutoring Club’s academic guarantee

 Kathy DeMatteo at 303-651-0800

e-mail LongmontCO@TutoringClub.com.