It can be very hard sometimes to tell if your child is having problems at school, at least until reports cards come Unfortunately, most schools only offer very minimal information about coursework and expectations and of course talking about school may not be something that our kids want to do with you every day. This makes it difficult for parents to judge how well their children is mastering the material.

Here are some quick tips which can help you check up on your child's schoolwork without having to wait for report-card time:

1. Talk to your child about her classwork. Does she feel confident? Does she say whether she is keeping up or feels behind the rest of the kids?
2. Take notice of any comments that the teacher is giving on the papers. 
3. Check the work that your child brings home each day. You may have to dig through crumpled papers at the bottom of her backpack. Ask what assignments her teacher is giving the class.
4. Do not be afraid to talk to your child's teacher. Schedule a meeting if need be.
5. Most of the time the teacher will send home progress reports in between report cards. Are you getting them? If not then be sure to keep up with your child's reports from now on.

School time is upon us again, and that means tests! I don’t remember having tests until late elementary school, but even first and second graders may have spelling tests now. And let’s not forget the spring-time ritual of standardized tests! Whether your children breeze through tests or struggle a little more, you can help them prepare for tests and make the whole test-taking experience more positive.

Preparing for the test…

The main key to preparing for tests is to know the work and study ahead of time. Get your child a planner so she knows when tests are and won’t forget about them. Cramming the night before will just lead to “information overload” and make your child nervous (not to mention overly tired the morning of the test). Many teachers give study guides so your children should know exactly what the test will cover and have all the information they need to study in one place. You can also use the study guide to quiz your child.

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It can be hard to tell if your son or daughter is having problems at school until reports cards come out. Most schools offer only minimal information about coursework and expectations and of course talking about school may not be something that our kids want to do with you every day. This makes it difficult for parents to judge how well their children is mastering the material.

Here are a few ways which can get involved that will help you check up on your child's schoolwork without having to wait for report-card time: 

• Never be afraid to talk to your child's teacher. Schedule a meeting if need be. At teacher parenting conferences let the teacher know they are free to contact you if there are any problems or issues. The key is to get involved.
• Another way to get involved is to join your local PTA. There are a number of benefits, not only for you, but for your child. By joining the Parent Teachers Association you know only get a voice in what is going on locally, you get a chance to connect and build relationships with other parents and teachers. Here is some more information on the excellent benefits of joining the PTA.
• Talk to your child about her classwork. Does she feel confident? Does she say whether she is keeping up or feels behind the rest of the kids?
• Take notice of any comments that the teacher is giving on the papers.
• Check the work that your child brings home each day. You may have to dig through crumpled papers at the bottom of her backpack. Ask what assignments her teacher is giving the class. 
• Most of the time the teacher will send home progress reports in between report cards. Are you getting them? If not then be sure to keep up with your child's reports from now on.