Gerri
asks:
Q:
My fourth grader is failing almost every subject. His teacher thinks he his able but unwilling. How do i get him to want to do his best
My fourth grader is failing almost every subject. His teacher thinks hes capable but unwilling. I dont how to get him motivated so he do his best, he just doesnt care
In Topics:
School and Academics, Motivation and achievement at school
> 60 days ago
What the Expert Says:
Additional Answers (4)
Is this new? Was he a good student before this year? Reward system. Is he depressed? Does he have learning disablilities? Testing for some issues might be needed. Is he being distracted by someone else. Can he hear, see properly? Good attitude toward work at home? Does he need help with homework..You need more info and assistance from school in order to know what to do.
> 60 days ago
Why does she think he is unwilling? Is he able to do it if it's read to him, so they know he's capable of retaining the information?
Maybe there is an issue going on that can be helped that is causing him to lose his motivation? Often times there is a cause behind behaviors.
Maybe there is an issue going on that can be helped that is causing him to lose his motivation? Often times there is a cause behind behaviors.
> 60 days ago
Hello and thank you for writing to JustAsk!
Sometimes we need to ask a few questions to help figure out why a child who is bright becomes unmotivated / failing school. These questions may include the following:
1- Are there other changes in behavior that I have not paid much attention to but now may be part of an overall problem? If so, what are the changes and should I talk with someone else about them such as a school counselor or my child's physician?
2- Has my child experienced any trauma or changes in living situations which may need to be discussed or some counseling needed, perhaps?
3- Has the teacher noticed other behaviors such as sleepiness, change in affect, distance from usual friends, etc? If so, will a school counselor help?
4- Is my child having similar problems but they have become worse since the degree of demands in fourth grade are harder than previous years? If so, should I make a referral for the special education team to evaluate for learning disorders?
5- Could my child benefit from seeing people in real jobs to help inspire him? Or perhaps would a mentor be helpful through Boys and Girls Clubs or something similar?
Here are some links to maybe help you frame your circumstances and point you in the right direction:
MicheleBorba.com Her books can help to guide parents with day to day trials and tribulations (http://www.micheleborba.com)
Kidlutions.com Challenging kids can get help here. The eBooks are very useful with generating conversation (http://www.kidlutions.com)
Listentomeplease.com Help for discussion starters here, too. (http://www.listentomeplease.com)
The Family Coach- Helping families with day to day problems, including motivation. http://www.lynnekenney.com
NASPonline.org Help for parents to assist their children with educational concerns
GOOD LUCK!!
Louise Sattler, NCSP
Nationally Certified School Psychologist
Sometimes we need to ask a few questions to help figure out why a child who is bright becomes unmotivated / failing school. These questions may include the following:
1- Are there other changes in behavior that I have not paid much attention to but now may be part of an overall problem? If so, what are the changes and should I talk with someone else about them such as a school counselor or my child's physician?
2- Has my child experienced any trauma or changes in living situations which may need to be discussed or some counseling needed, perhaps?
3- Has the teacher noticed other behaviors such as sleepiness, change in affect, distance from usual friends, etc? If so, will a school counselor help?
4- Is my child having similar problems but they have become worse since the degree of demands in fourth grade are harder than previous years? If so, should I make a referral for the special education team to evaluate for learning disorders?
5- Could my child benefit from seeing people in real jobs to help inspire him? Or perhaps would a mentor be helpful through Boys and Girls Clubs or something similar?
Here are some links to maybe help you frame your circumstances and point you in the right direction:
MicheleBorba.com Her books can help to guide parents with day to day trials and tribulations (http://www.micheleborba.com)
Kidlutions.com Challenging kids can get help here. The eBooks are very useful with generating conversation (http://www.kidlutions.com)
Listentomeplease.com Help for discussion starters here, too. (http://www.listentomeplease.com)
The Family Coach- Helping families with day to day problems, including motivation. http://www.lynnekenney.com
NASPonline.org Help for parents to assist their children with educational concerns
GOOD LUCK!!
Louise Sattler, NCSP
Nationally Certified School Psychologist
> 60 days ago
If i was you i would get him tested for any learning disabilities and all that.
If nothing comes up then i would speak with the teacher.
If nothing comes up then i would speak with the teacher.
> 60 days ago
Other Similar Questions
- My daughter is fourteen years old (year nine) and hardly ever goes to school, what should I do?
- How do I help improve my 5th grader's study habits? She is extremely bright but is not doing well in school due to forgetting homeowrk and stuff.
- Problems focusing
- my child report card
- My 8 yr old has been struggling in school & mostly reading. What can I do to help her? We've tried tutoring and other avenues but nothing helps.
- Third Grade Son Zoning Out in School
- how to get my 14 year old to go to school? should I put him in boarding, military, reform school?
- my kid of six year old is so careless in studies what should i do for her?
- How can I help my 4yr old stay excited about Preschool when most of his friends are moving on to Kindergarten?
- what are courses for a 10th class pass student-boy (india/delhi-ncr), profound deaf, but can lip read and speak hindi & english for future of child?
