Need help with 6th grader and work habits?

Question

My 6th grade son who is 11 is not doing very well in school. He is failing two classes. Both his teacher and his private tutor say he understands the material he just doesn't apply it. We have run out of ideas to help make him apply himself academically. We have tried everything. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Answer 1

Talk to him or ask him to write in a journal to you. There is probably something else going on ie. girls, peer pressure, material goods.

Answer 2

There is something else going on in his life, drugs, girls, something.  You will find out by finding out what his friends are up to!  If he can't watch tv, talk on the phone, have friends over or go anywhere, what else is there to do but homework or housework?  Get the idea?  If he isn't working on homework, then he works on housework!!!  He needs nothing more than that, til he decides to his homework on his own and bring the grades up!!!

Answer 3

kk i understand i helped a 12 yr old  and i know that they wont respond unless they have fun or rewarded, ok? what happens is they understand with the tutor but when the test comes they freeze up and dont give them a goal as like an 80 or whatever ALWAYS AIM FOR AN A other wise they wont try as hard

Answer 4

"There is something else going on in his life"

DUH it's called puberty.  His schoolwork is HIS responsiblity.  If he doesn't do it he fails, if he fails he will be held back a grade, the world isn't going to end because of that, he will still be able to get into college, still be able to get a job.  I refuse to bribe my kids to get decent grades, I refuse to punish my kids for getting bad grades.  They grades themselves are the accolades or punishment in themsleves.  I suggest you read the book "Ending the Homework Hassle" by John Redmond.

Answer 5

Dont get made at him when he does crappy. Try a tutor that he likes.  That helps.