How to Turn Grades into Practical Support

How to Turn Grades into Practical Support

Find out how to read your child’s report card without jumping to conclusions—and how conversations, simple games and small changes to their study routine can offer meaningful support.

Start by asking which subject or assignment took them the most time, and what helped them along the way. Then choose one small step, such as breaking study sessions into shorter chunks or taking turns explaining the material to each other. You could also play teacher, with your child showing you what they already know. Practical ideas like these help you build on the report card without turning it into a list of complaints.

Interested in this topic? Read more: Report card as a reflection of effectiveness: What does it really say about your child? Want to find out where you stand personally? Take a short test at the end of the page and gain a better understanding.

How does this apply to you? Choose the answers that describe you best:

Imagine that your child brings home straight A's. What is your first thought?

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The child comes with three threes and one four. How do you respond?

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When you hear the word "success" in relation to your child, what comes to your mind?

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If you had to compare the school system to something everyday, what would it be?

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The child is afraid to go home after a bad test. What will you do?

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What does a child's report card really reflect, in your opinion?

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Imagine that grades did not exist. How would you know that a child is developing?

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How do you perceive the word "potential" in the context of a child?

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What would you like your child to think about themselves after reading their report card?

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Which of the following images most evokes your expectations of a child?

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It's not just a piece of paper: What does (not) a report card reveal about your child?

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