What would you do to help a child who is at risk of repeating a grade?

Question

He is already receiving extra help in his schoolwork and the problem seems to be not a lack of intelligence but rather a stubborn block that his teacher has not been able to penetrate. The previous teacher did not have a problem in fact he made leaps and bounds in her class but this teacher does not seem to have the same ability to reach him. I'm going to switch schools but what can I do to push him in the right direction? I am against them holding him back and because of the fact that he is in resource, I have the final word on whether or not he is held back. What would you do?

Answer 1

I would seriously suggest looking for a Steiner Waldorf school....they are fabulous for stubborn..or free-thinking kids...particularly those with a creative streak....they are not "special" schools...just ones which use a different philosophy...google it to see if there is one in your area...my nearly 4  year old is showing the same stubborn streak and I will not risk her being labeled difficult...so she is going to a Steiner school....famous people who went to Steiner schools include Jennifer Aniston and Sandra Bullock.

Answer 2

Take him to a therapist or psychologist to see if something is getting in the way of his learning or his ability to respect authority (ie the teacher).

Answer 3

SEE ABOUT GETTING YOUR SON A ECCELERATED GRADE, BY KEEPING HIM IN THE SAME SCHOOL AND SEE IF THAT ONE TEACHER CAN HELP HIM FROM TIME TO TIME. BY TAKING THE MAIN GRADE AND ONLY THE SPECIFICS OF THE NEXT GRADE, ENGLISH, MATH, HISTORY. LIKE 2 YEARS IN ONE. INFACT IF ONLY THE MAIN SPECIFICS WERE ONLY TAKEN IN SCHOOL, THEY EACH WOULD ONLY HAVE 3 OR 4 CLASSES.

Answer 4

If your child is at the right age and maturity level for the grade he is in and is receiving additional instruction  -  then there may be a learning disability at play.  

There are so many causes it's hard to pin point just by guessing.  Kids have so much coming at them these days. They can be overwhelmed with extracurricular activities, lack proper nutrition, rest or sleep.  Some have child abuse or neglect issues.  Bullies can be a problem.  There are food and other allergies to consider.  Too much to list here.

The only way to make sure is to have him get a thorough medical and psychological check up.  He should also be assessed for vision and hearing.

Then again - he may just be a late bloomer.  After all, Einstein didn't talk till age 4.

Answer 5

I would hire a tutor for the summer.

Answer 6

If he's too stubborn to do his work/be a member of the class, let him repeat the year. Otherwise he's going to realize if he slacks off he can still pass, and then will ALWAYS do it.

Answer 7

I would find out if there is a summer school he could attend so he could catch up. Even if there's not one in your district- check another. I would do whatever I could to keep him in the same class as his peers, it would be hard on him to be held back. I would only do it as a very last resort.

Answer 8

If you are against holding him back then put him in a summer long intensive tutoring program and a new school in the fall.  If he is at the bottom of the ladder age wise in his grade then I highly recommend you reconsider holding him back.  Boys at the high end of the ladder age wise in a class seem to do better, in my opinion.

Answer 9

I'd let him move on this time and see if it wasn't just the teacher.  If it continues the next year, then you'll have to look into other ideas of what to do!  Best wishes on it working out!

Answer 10

OK, I have the same issue...I got my son tested at a learning center it cost $170. He came back in 3ed grade at a 6th grade level... I think you may have the same problem. Your son is to smart for his own good!! My son does not do his class work and that is the stubborn block....I switched my son's schools and that did not help! I just learned that it was him not the teacher.He got all A's the year before too! My son passed this year but not at his level of intelligence! I suggest you take your son to a learning center and get him tested if he tests low he needs help, if he tests high like my son then you need to call me and we can help each other LOL!! After knowing he is smart enough, that made me feel a little better about the incomplete work and I could deal with him better.

Answer 11

Stop pushing him would be a start. He has to want a learn. Find out we he wants to do.  If you lay too much presure on him you could ruin any chance he has in future.