Let's talk Life
Published:Saturday | July 21, 2012 | 12:00 AM
Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson, Contributor
Why is my son falling behind in high school?
Dear Counsellor,
My son did well in the Grade Six Achievement Test, but is doing poorly in high school. He doesn't know what is wrong and neither do I. I am being encouraged to get an assessment done on him.
- Alicia.
Dear Alicia,
There are many stresses affecting adolescents. There are school factors, family factors, and environmental factors. There is little you can do about the school factors, but you can manipulate the environment for good results.
An assessment is a good idea. We need to check for learning issues. Is he focusing, paying attention, or distracting the other children? Is he talkative in class?
What about his motivation and interest? What about his drive and passion? Many times children are burned out in school because of the pressures. School can be stressful, and the push for academic excellence has left many students along the wayside. We need well-rounded children whose physical, academic, emotional, and spiritual needs are met.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
As students progress up the stream, the work becomes more stressful and the students need the support of teachers and parents.
Some students need one-to-one tutoring. The class sizes are large, the curriculum is extensive and has to be completed, and the time for teaching is fixed. Students also need to be self-teachers.
They need to take the textbooks and read and practise the work. These days, there is no time for much idle chatter. There are many subjects, and the students need to be on top of the work. Much effort is needed and students need to apply themselves with a positive attitude. Children who are failing need to be encouraged because they feel helpless and discouraged. They feel like failures and their self-esteem is low.
Sit with him and help him to be organised. Check his books weekly and look at the assignments. Books and the Internet should be at his disposal, and you should encourage the reading of the textbooks.
With God's help you will both succeed.
n Email questions and feedback for Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson to yvonniebd@hotmail.com or call 978-8602