The following are common problems faced
by students, as well as approaches to help parents address
the issues.
Watch for warning signs!
If a student begins having academic or social difficulties,
it is crucial for parents to make an appointment with
the teacher, counselor, and/or principal. If there is
any reason to suspect that the student may have a learning
disability, emotional impairment, or attention deficit
disorder, immediately request that the school do an evaluation.
Often, behavioral problems occur when a student is feeling
frustrated or overwhelmed with schoolwork. If the child
is experiencing significant academic or behaviorial concerns
see QuickGuide
to Special Education Evaluations.
Ask the teacher for help,
including what you can do for the child.
Ask about tutoring services
for the child.
Take your child to the library
and have him/her pick out a book s/he likes
Trouble Staying on Task
Ask the teacher if your child
is getting enough exercise.
Check where the child sits
in the classroom. Maybe s/he needs to be moved
away from distractions, or closer to the front
of the room.
Ask the teacher to give him/her
some tasks to help focus, like taking notes or
making lists.
Bored, Unmotivated
Often, students are bored
because they aren't being challenged. Likewise,
if classes are too hard. Make sure your child
is challenged and encouraged in the classroom,
the teacher may be able to provide additional
workbooks or projects.
Identify a theme or topic
that your child enjoys and ask the teacher to
provide opportunities for work in that area.
Not Doing Homework
Discuss the concern
with your child, and the teacher.
Ask the teacher to send a note
home weekly (or daily) describing homework to
be done.
Ask the teacher or school social
worker to talk regularly with the child about
their work.
Ask for frequent reports from
school about the child’s progress.
Regularly Skipping Classes or
School
Have an open discussion with
your child, listen to his/her complaints.
Ask what s/he likes about school.
Ask for a report from the school
about the student’s academic and social
progress
Ask the school for copies
of weekly attendance reports.
TOP
SOCIAL
& BEHAVIORIAL CONCERNS
Being Disruptive or Acting Out
in Class
Talk to your child. What
does s/he think about why the problem might
be happening?
Visit the classroom to see
how your child interacts with other students
and the teacher.
Ask a school counselor or
school social worker for advice.
Afraid at the Bus Stop or Walking
to/from School
Talk to your child.
Discuss the matter with
the teacher or principal.
Discuss the situation with
other parents.
Take turns watching the
bus stop.
Find a new route for your
child to walk home.
Ask an older student to
walk with your child.
Doesn't like School or a Teacher
Listen
to your child's concerns.
Ask him or her for details
about what's wrong.
Visit the classroom to see
how the child and teacher interact.
Ask the teacher for ideas
on how to better their relationship.
If
problems persist, meet with the principal.
Few
or No Friends
Talk with a counselor or
school social worker about ways to help your
child make friends.
Look for clubs, activities,
sports your child may be interested in joining.
Many communities offer mentoring
programs, such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
Fights
with other Children / Problems with Bullies
Talk to your child about
why s/he thinks the fighting is happening.
Ask your child to identify an adult in the building
with whom s/he feels comfortable with.
Ask a counselor or social
worker to speak with the students about their
conflict.
Work with the teacher, social
worker, or principal to make changes in the
child’s schedule or classroom that may
deter fighting.
