How to Talk to Your Parents About a Low Grade in the Newsletter

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How to Talk to Your Parents About a Low Grade in the Newsletter
How to Talk to Your Parents About a Low Grade in the Newsletter

Video: How to Talk to Your Parents About a Low Grade in the Newsletter

Video: How to Talk to Your Parents About a Low Grade in the Newsletter
Video: How to Hold a Newborn Baby Properly | Know the Safest Positions | Tips for First-Time Parents 2024, March
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Your parents may be angry from time to time, but they only want you well and will be on your side for whatever comes and goes. If you're afraid to show them a report with poor grades, remember: they'll be sad or angry for a while, but that's precisely because they expect their academic performance to be better. Be honest and explain what happened to ease the burden a bit.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Getting Ready to Talk to Your Parents

Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 1
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 1

Step 1. Study the newsletter from cover to cover

The school grade system depends on the level of study: in primary education, the letter system (A, B, C) is used; in fundamental and medium, the numbers (10, 9, 9…) are used. In addition, the document can also bring "social" information, such as participation in classes, as well as comments and suggestions from teachers. Ask all your questions to be able to explain to your parents what each item means.

  • Understand how teachers distribute grades. Did you get only one red note in the quarter? Or several? How many assignments and tests did the teacher include in the report card? Also try to gather all these documents to give to your parents.
  • Another thing: find out what term the bulletin covers. Some schools deliver the document at the end of each quarter, while others are more regular and deliver in shorter periods. It may even be that yours doesn't pass the report card to students and parents until the end of each semester or year. Find out what the case is.
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 2
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 2

Step 2. Try to understand where the difficulty with studies comes from

List the reasons you think explain your poor performance in some subjects. This is going to be one of your parents' first questions. So be honest with yourself. See some examples:

  • You had too much fun with your friends and not focused.
  • The teacher's class was boring and you fell asleep.
  • You'd rather relax and have fun than do your homework or study for exams.
  • You don't pay attention because you don't like the story.
  • You understand the subject well, but you get anxious and end up with a "blank" at the time of the test.
  • You try to pay attention, but you can't keep up with the class.
  • The teacher didn't prepare you well for tests and assignments. Do any other colleagues have the same problems?
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 3
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 3

Step 3. Ask teachers for help

You will likely know that your newsletter is going to be ugly before you even receive it. So ask teachers what to do to improve. Be honest when explaining your poor performance.

  • Ask if you can do any extra work.
  • Ask what problem they think you have. Every teacher has experience with students who have difficulty and, therefore, can see situations and details that even students do not see.
  • Ask for advice to improve.
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 4
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 4

Step 4. Formulate a plan to improve your performance

Use all the information and insights you've gained from your self-assessment and your conversations with teachers to determine how you can improve in the next quarter or semester. Share this plan with your parents so they can see your initiative and your commitment to change course. Then they will trust you again. See some examples of how to improve:

  • Take extra lessons after normal lessons.
  • Ask teachers for extra work.
  • Dedicate as much time as possible to homework and exams.
  • Don't sit next to your friends during class.
  • Regulate your sleep and have a hearty breakfast for energy throughout the day.
  • Think of all the ways academic knowledge is going to be useful in your life. You might not even feel like working as a math or physics teacher, but you might want to be a writer - and for that, you'll need to be well versed in Portuguese!
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 5
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 5

Step 5. Adopt a daily study routine

Not everyone works the same way. So think of a routine that suits your style. For example: study multiple subjects in the same day; do homework as soon as you get home from class; just relax when you're done, etc. Adapt your day to day to your body and what is most comfortable.

The important thing is to create specific times for specific tasks. Every student needs a well-established routine

Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 6
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 6

Step 6. Set realistic long-term goals for yourself

Why is getting good grades so important to you? What will they add to your life? Most students dream of entering university. Do you already know what area you want to pursue? Dedicate yourself to all subjects, but even more to those that have to do with your preferred higher education course.

The report does not only contain grades: it shows how much the student has dedicated himself, improved and learned throughout the school term. Learn to enjoy learning (or at least understand why studying is important)

Part 2 of 2: Talking to your parents

Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 7
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 7

Step 1. Don't try to hide the report card from your parents

Don't fall into the trap of trying to hide your grades from your parents. They will discover and think that you are immature and that you cannot take responsibility for yourself. Do the opposite: show that you are trustworthy and deliver the document.

Don't stall to deliver the newsletter. They will ask "Why are you just telling me about this right now?" or "Why didn't you give me the newsletter as soon as you got it?"

Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 8
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 8

Step 2. Talk to your parents together

Even if you talk to each one individually, they will end up talking about it. Have a conversation and show that you admit your mistakes and are committed to improving. They will respect your decision.

Let me know you got some low grades before handing out the newsletter. It's easier to hear this information than to see the numbers on paper - the surprise is less

Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 9
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 9

Step 3. Explain why you performed poorly

When talking to your parents, explain why you think you got poor grades and open a dialogue with them. Make it clear that you recognize your own strengths and weaknesses and show that your list of explanations. Generally speaking, be honest.

Don't make excuses like "My teacher is an executioner!" or "It's not my fault!" Also, don't lie, like "I didn't know the teacher was giving homework every day" or "I didn't know I talked so much during class." Take proper responsibility for your actions to show that you are mature and that you will change

Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 10
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 10

Step 4. Show your parents your action plan

State specifically what you intend to do to improve your grades and why this plan is likely to work. Write everything down and give it to your parents so they can follow each step closely. It's also nice that they give tips and advice.

  • Explain to your parents that you are not satisfied with your grades. Show that the matter is serious.
  • It's no use saying it will get better - you have to show it. Explain your structured plan to make it obvious that you have every intention of superior performance.
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 11
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 11

Step 5. Find out what your parents consider "bad"

The way you look at the report card can change if you and your parents come to an agreement about what is "acceptable" and what they expect of your academic performance.

  • As soon as you receive the first negative report of the school year, talk to your parents so you can agree on your performance. Everyone has to agree on everything for no one to have a headache like that.
  • Remember: getting only a 10 is not the only indicator of good performance in school. In fact, this is rare. Many students are satisfied when they reach 7, 0, 8, 0 and so on - because they already notice an improvement over the past. Each case is different.
  • Also remember that the school's difficulty level increases as the grades progress. Don't be alarmed if your average in a story drops from 9.0 to 8.0 year over year. When this happens, explain the situation to your parents. For example: "I had an easier time doing math last year, but now that I'm in high school things are a little different."
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 12
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 12

Step 6. Focus on the positives

When talking to your parents, also talk about the good things about your report card - even if you got some low grades. It can be difficult, but be sure to highlight your achievements. Did any teacher praise your performance? Your participation? So on.

  • Thinking through all of your advances is one of the most important parts of the entire process. Did you manage to increase your average by half a point? Did you keep the same grade (relatively good)?
  • Don't put all the bad things before the good things. Also reflect on the low grades: are your parents mad at your 6.0 in history? But did you manage to increase the grade compared to the previous exam? If so, focus on improving even more next time!
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 13
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 13

Step 7. Don't assume that your parents are going to be angry

Your parents were once students too, so maybe they don't have such an extreme reaction. They've probably already had bad grades - and they should be understanding, especially if it's your first time. You just need to be calm and mature for your conversation.

  • Be polite and respect your parents, even if you are frustrated. They might get a little scared and angry, but it's no use adopting a defensive position at these times.
  • Accept the punishment they give you.
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 14
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 14

Step 8. Be optimistic

Getting a low grade isn't the worst thing in the world and you just need a concrete plan to improve your school performance. Firm with a commitment to your parents and yourself not to give up.

Don't get discouraged and say things like "I'll never get better! I'm too dumb and it's impossible to learn this subject!" That kind of thinking doesn't help anyone. Start with simpler goals and think in terms of "I'm going to get two or three more points on the next test." Gradually, it becomes easier to reach a more ambitious goal

Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 15
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 15

Step 9. Ask your parents to talk to other parents or teachers

Do you think you got low grades because of the teacher? Be honest - don't blame him if the responsibility is all yours, or the situation can get tense for everyone involved. On the other hand, if some of your colleagues are also having difficulty in the subject, it may be that the teacher is to blame. In that case, your parents have to go to school.

  • You might come up with the idea of having a meeting with parents, teachers and students. Talk to everyone at the same time to motivate yourself to improve, but also show how important the subject is.
  • Be careful when talking about it so that your parents don't think you're just running away from guilt. Prove where the source of the problem is.
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 16
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 16

Step 10. Ask your parents to help you study

Explain that you are afraid of not really sticking to the routine, and ask them to keep an eye on your habits and schedules. Also tell them that they don't need to be sorry. See other examples of help:

  • Explain complicated concepts in your own words. Sometimes the teacher and the textbook explain certain subjects too difficult. Your parents may be able to get across the subject better, as they understand how your brain works.
  • Helping you make appointment cards.
  • Take tests and mocks with you.
  • Review your homework and help with correction.
  • Spend extra work for you to study the complicated concepts further.
  • Still, understand that your parents are busy and don't have all the time in the world to help you. In the end, the responsibility for studying is yours. Just be thankful for having someone who can tap in once in a while!
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 17
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 17

Step 11. Ask your parents to hire a private tutor

A private tutor can help you further improve your performance at school, although they charge somewhat steep fees. Don't be mad if your parents can't.

If you can't hire a private tutor, at least turn to a classmate who seems to understand the subject. You can study together without spending anything

Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 18
Talk to a Parent About a Bad Grade on Your Report Card Step 18

Step 12. Talk to your parents about your grades before you even receive the report

Keep your parents well informed about your grades throughout the school year to avoid any nasty surprises. Show your proofs, work etc. periodically, such as on weekends.

You can re-read all your work to identify your biggest difficulties. For example, if your grade on an "x" test is low, talk to your parents to discuss the problem and possible solutions before the situation gets out of hand

Tips

  • If one of your parents is more understanding than the other, talk to them first and then open the conversation for both of them.
  • Keep calm, even if your parents are angry. Things will only get worse if you start arguing and yelling.
  • Use an appropriate tone and listen silently. Your parents just want your success.
  • Think of ways to unwind. Punch your pillow, ride your bike really fast, or listen to upbeat music - all so you don't argue with your parents.
  • Also think of ways to punish yourself to make it clear how serious you are about studying.
  • Remember: your parents love you regardless of your grades, high or low!
  • Explain to your father and mother that studying is difficult and that you need their help.
  • Think about the good things in your newsletter and try to improve on the bad ones.
  • Show your parents the original report card so you don't get in more trouble. They will be angry if you lie or hide something. Never try to forge the document.
  • Don't make excuses like "My classmates talk too much." You will give the impression that you are irresponsible and that you do not take the blame for your mistakes.

Notices

  • It may be that you and your parents have quite different views on what it's like to get a "good" grade and a "bad" grade. For example: maybe you're happy with a 7, 0, but they want at least 8, 5.
  • Show the newsletter when your parents are in a good mood so they don't take the day's anger out on you.
  • You may also be unable to follow the tips in this article. In that case, your parents will just want to see results, without any interest in the process.
  • Never lie to your parents. Things will only get worse!
  • Don't forget to get their signature on the report card and deliver it to the school later.
  • Don't get stuck with the subject. It may take a while, but your parents will forgive and forget about your report card.
  • Don't hide the newsletter. Your parents will eventually find out that he's been turned over - and then they'll be irate.

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