Study Skills Programs: What to Do When Your Child's Grades Suddenly Drop

It can be startling to see your child's grades drop from a 90 to a 70. Many parents initially witness this when their child transitions from one grade level or school to another. Material traditionally gets more challenging as the years progress, and that can translate to problems.  Even a 10 point or letter grade drop can appear out of character. So what do you do when you notice the slip in grades? Your first order of business is to figure out what's wrong.

Talk to Your Child Calmly

Sometimes parents can have the knee jerk reaction to yell or discipline their kids when grades drop. It's easy to assume that the problem is wrapped up in the distractions of the computer, social media, and the TV. And while that may be a contributing factor, it may not tell the whole story.

Talk to your son/daughter to try to figure out what is going on. Have a calm, frank discussion where you try to diagnose the problem. Ask them questions like:

1. Are you interested in the subject?
2. Are you having a hard time concentrating?
3. Are you taking notes?
4. What part of the class is most difficult for you? (homework, listening to the teacher, working in groups, etc.)
5. Are you having issues with the way the class is taught?
6. Where did things change? Did something get harder for you?

Speak to the Teacher

Whether you have a 7-year old or a 16-year old, going to the one person who can directly talk to you about the problems your child is having in school is always a good option. Be friendly but direct. Ask questions like:

• Where is my child's weakest area(s)?
• Can I get a copy of the distribution of grades?
• Do you have any suggestions for how to get their grades up?
• Did you notice a time where things started changing?

Once you start to get a handle on the kind of problem your child is having, you can take steps to help them overcome it. Whether it's sending your child for extra help with the teacher, working with them at home, and/or hiring a tutor to help, you can both find a way to give your child back their pride in their work.

Think Tutoring has Study Skills programs that can improve your child’s in-school, homework and test preparation skills and habits. For more information, call 973-593-0050.