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Monday, February 15, 2016

Bad Grades: Things Parents Shouldn't Do


Things NOT to Do When Your Child Has a Bad Grade

So, your child has a bad grade. Whether it is on a progress report or a report card, there is nothing like the sting of seeing that “D” or “F”. Just as there are a lot of things that you can do to help improve your child’s grade, there are some things that you DON’T DO if you want to help.

Negative Talk

The biggest mistake parents can make when their child has a bad grade is to talk negatively about the child’s teacher. It is so easy to become upset with the teacher and start mouthing off to friends, neighbors, co-workers, your child, and even other teachers who work with the offending teacher. However, this will not help the situation. In fact, it will only help to exacerbate the situation.

The truth is the teacher is not out to get your child. Chances are good that the teacher is also a parent~just like you. He/She is not childish enough to “give” your child a failing grade. Grades have to be record in grade books and turned in to the school office and the state department of education. So, instead of opening your mouth, try talking to the teacher to see what the problem is. Ask your child to explain to you why he/she received the failing mark. Check your child’s grades. And, let’s be honest. Your child’s teacher is human too. Your negative remarks will more than most likely reach his or her ears. Although the teacher won’t intentionally fail your child, he/she WILL NOT offer him or her any extra help or assistance.

Intimidation Doesn’t Work

Why…oh, why do so many parents feel obligated to get on social media and degrade the teacher? Parents, what you are doing is called slander. So, what if you know who the teacher is dating or where he or she hangs out after school hours? The teacher’s job is to educate your child. It is not to cater to your whims. Your threats and malicious gossip will only backfire in the long run. It will not help your child’s grades, and it can possibly land you in court if the teacher decides to pursue the issue. It also makes you look petty.

Do Not Support Your Child’s Bad Behavior

Okay, let’s face it. Most students who have bad grades are behavioral problems…not all but most. Why? Because when a student is confused or can’t keep up, he tends to act out. As a parent, make it a point to get the whole story. Don’t just assume Little Johnny is telling the truth. Find out what is going on in the classroom from the teacher, your child, the principal, and other teachers if possible. Get a clear view of the situation.

No one is perfect. Bad grades can happen to even the smartest students from time to time. What’s important is how you react to those grades as a parent. You are the key to your child’s success. You are also your child’s primary role model. So, instead of displaying negative behavior that can backfire in the long run, put your best foot forward. Work with your child’s teacher to improve his or her grades.

Sunday, February 7, 2016

Relieving Mid-Year Teacher Stress


Relieving Mid-Year Teacher Stress:

Here we are again. School is in full swing, and if you are like me, you are feeling just a little stressed. Normal, right? Well, yes, it is normal. No, you can’t control your students’ lack of motivation, the number of state or district tests they take, but you can control you. You can control how you react to that stress and how you allow it to affect you. Here are some of my favorite tips on beating teacher stress.

Keep It Separate

          I know it’s hard, but keep your personal life and your school life separate. Sounds impossible I know. However, it can be done. How? Simple. Quit dragging that pile of work home. Pick 2 days out of the week that you are willing to give up to work on school things like grading papers, creating tests and/or games, and doing lesson planning. The other nights should be left open for your family and your sanity.

Go to Bed

          There is a time and a place for all things. One of those things is called sleep. Go to bed on time. Put those papers down. Put the book down. Turn off the television and go to sleep. Your body will thank you. Your students will thank you. Your spouse will thank you. Your brains cells need this time to recharge. You will also discover that you get few colds if you adhere to a set bed time. No, I don’t mean go to bed at midnight and get up at 4:00 A.M. I mean get those 7 to 8 hours of sleep. So, lights out.

Healthy Snacking

          Okay, I’m guilty. You need a boost of energy. So, you grab those chips or that carbonated soda. Next thing you know, you feel sluggish and you have put on 10 extra pounds. Was it worth it? No! That quick snack cost you. Dear Teacher, please try to have healthy snacks on hand. Stop grabbing those energy drinks and sodas. Instead, grab a healthy snack like nuts, cheese, or fruit. This will help to keep your blood sugar levels stable, your mood stable, and your waistline from bulging.

Know When to Say When

          You just have to grade one more set of papers. You need just a few more minutes to finish that report. That game is going to be so wonder when you finish it. And, you can’t leave the room in such a mess. You just need to finish tidying up before you head home. Stop right there!!! You are overloading your schedule. Stop it. Stop it. Walk away from those papers. Log off the computer. Walk away. Say when.That one more little thing will turn into 2 more little things, and then it will turn into 3 more little things. Stop and walk away. Those papers will be there tomorrow. The janitor is there to assist you. Save yourself some stress. Just walk away.

          Now, teacher, take a deep breath. Remember what I told you and de-stress!