Talking About Grades at Home and at School

Talking About Grades at Home and at School

Grades shape conversations at home and at school. Find out how to discuss results without comparisons and encourage your child to take responsibility.

Children hear how parents, teachers, and classmates talk about school performance. Comparing a child with a sibling or the whole class can overshadow what they have achieved and what they still need to practise. Adults can encourage more open communication by focusing on learning rather than labels. When parents and teachers share observations and listen to the child, it’s easier to agree on a constructive next step without unnecessary pressure.

Interested in this topic? Read more: How to Talk to Children About Grades Without Yelling or Blame 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 your child comes home with a worse grade than you expected. What is the first thing that crosses your mind?

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How would you describe the silence that follows the announcement of a bad grade?

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Which words best describe your inner dialogue in such situations?

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If you could choose a metaphor for academic failure, what would it be?

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How do you react when a child does not show remorse or interest in a bad grade?

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What tone should a conversation about grades have, in your opinion?

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Which sentence would bother you the most if it were said to you as a child?

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How would you describe your approach to mistakes?

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When do you feel that a child is most attentive to what you are saying?

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Which image best represents your parenting goal?

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How to talk to children about grades without yelling and blame.

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