Supporting Your Student
As a parent, what can I do to support my child academically?
The Magic Trick of Parenting Teens- TALKING
Students have a lot on their plates, and sometimes they just forget to fill you in on all of their upcoming projects, assignments, and tests. Students may even lose track of their assignments, become overwhelmed, and shut down from you to avoid disappointment. The only way to truly avoid being shut out is to TALK, TALK, and TALK some more with your children. Engage in meaningful conversations about classes and school work on a daily basis.
Be specific.
"Tell me one homework assignment you have tonight that you think might be difficult?"
Avoid one word responses.
Instead of, "How was school?" try, "What's something good that happened in one of your classes today?"
Always offer support.
"It is ok to not understand something. I am here for you if you need extra help. We can sit down and figure out a plan to make sure you are successful together. Know that I do not expect perfection, just that you are trying your best. If you need extra support, we will find that support together."
Equip them with as many tools & supports as you have to offer, but do NOT do the work for them.
What Parents Can Do to Help Their Children Succeed in School
What can I be doing if my child is performing poorly in a particular class?
Steps to Take
- Contact the teacher. He/she will be better equipped to inform you of what your child is missing in terms of assignments and if there is anything they can make up. Teachers can also identify work habits they see on a daily basis and offer suggestions for your child. You may contact your child's teacher through email or phone, and contact information can be found using the webpage directory. Follow this link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gDwIVT7B7Ofey9QCRRQa7n_iZYeMfCpWxRNp5qJsSB0/pubhtml?gid=1022936668
- Ask your child if he/she feels as though extra academic support would help. If so, FHS offers peer tutoring.
- Have a conversation about the particular class that is not going well and try and come to an understanding of why exactly your child is struggling. Are they not understanding the content? Are they not turning in homework? Are they skipping class? Are they going through a social or emotional issue that may be affecting school work? There may be any number of reasons for a child's academic decline, and the only sure way to gauge the exact reason is to speak with your child.
- Once you understand what is most likely causing the poor performance, make a mutual plan for success with your child.
- MAKE SURE TO INVOLVE THEM IN THIS PLAN. IT IS THEIR FUTURE & THEY MUST PUT IN THE EFFORT.
- Track your student's assignment book (agenda/calendar). Have them share it with you.
How do I motivate my child to complete his/her assignments?
- Show them that completing assignments is an important component towards reaching their professional goals. Ask your child what they want to do after graduation. No matter what career/job they state, they need at least a high school diploma. A diploma cannot be attained without completing course assignments and passing all classes. Making this case is an important one so that students become aware of how important assignments are for their future.
- Show interest in your child's school work. Ask about their classes. Become involved in helping them figure out answers to difficult questions.
- Use every opportunity you can to explain the importance of an education.
- Use incentives. High schoolers are not too old for positive reinforcement. Develop a system where you treat your child to their favorite dinner and a movie if their GPA is over a 3.0 each quarter. Set the standards you deem appropriate for your child, and pick the incentive together so that the student has something fun to work towards.
What resources are available to support my child at Franklin High School?
- Gold Block- During Gold Block, students can meet with their teachers for extra help. They can also attend tutoring during this time.
- Peer Tutoring- offered during Gold Block
- Student Services- Your child's school counselor is a great resource for supporting academic success. The school counselor is able to provide study resources and help come up with learning strategies.
- Make use of the school library. The library is open until 4:30 p.m. for quiet study time.
- Video below shows how students can request tutoring services.
- More information specific to tutoring at FHS can be found at: https://www.franklin.k12.wi.us/franklin-high-school/academics/tutor-opportunities
FHS - Tutor Center Request Process
What if my child came from a different district or private school?
- Coming from a different district or private school requires some additional adjustment on the part of your child. Courses might feel more or less difficult than what the child was used to in his/her old school or district. Work with your child on following these steps to ensure the best academic success possible for your child.
- Speak with your child about whether courses seem more difficult or easier now. If they are too easy, your child may have lost motivation to complete assignments out of boredom. If they are more difficult or the work load is heavier than what they are used to, work on developing a study plan.
- Contact teachers for extra support. Have students reach out to their teachers if/when content is too difficult.
- Utilize the resources at FHS!
My child's first language is not English, and that is affecting his/her academic performance.
- FHS offers an EL program for English-Learning students.
- EL assistance is available as soon as parents give consent for their child to receive the services.
- More detailed information can be found on the Franklin Schools website linked below.
- https://www.franklin.k12.wi.us/about-us/instructional-services/english-as-of-a-second-language-esl
Further Reading on Supporting Your Child
Helping Your Teen With Homework
Article on your role in supporting homework completion.
10 Ways to Help Your Teen Succeed in High School
Article on 10 things you can be doing to support academic success for your child.
How to Get Better Grades in High School (with Pictures)
Tips on how to get better grades in high school. This is a great article to read through with your child and from the tips develop a study plan.