4 ways to Inspire an Underachiever

www2.scholastic.com

As school gets more challenging, kids can feel overwhelmed.  Here's how to help your child tackle tough assignments with confidence. 

If you have an underachiever, you often hear the lament "I'm dumb" or "it's just too hard" from your perfectly capable kid.  It often starts in their earlier years, as their workload intensifies. To get your student moving try these:

1. Boost his confidence.

At this age, kids begin to compare themselves to others, and may find themselves wanting. Put self-criticism into perspective by reminding him of his strengths.  Okay, so he's not in the top math group, but,  possibly very few write as well as he does. Be careful not to make comparison to older siblings.  Instead of zeroing in on what he did wrong or forgot, focus on how much he's improved.

2. Challenge "horribilizing."

Teach her to dispute pessimistic thoughts ("I messed up the test... I'm never going to do well... I'm stupid") with accurate, specific information, to put disappointments into perspective. You might say:  "okay, so you didn't do well on that test, but you gave it your best shot.  Let's talk to the teacher and see where you need to improve.  Then you'll be better prepared for next time."

3. Be your student's best cheerleader.

Remind him that good things don't just happen.  He got an A on last month's math test - not because he was lucky, but because he worked hard and deserved it. Instead of saying, "Cut the complaining and get to work,"  instead say, "Sure, this is hard, but, you've done work this hard before.  Let's look at the problem again.  Maybe we can break it down into simpler pieces."

4.  Ask about what she's learning.

Show interest in the work she brings home.  If she sees that you think it's important, she'll think it is also.  Listen completely to her answer without arguing or judging.  When yo do, you build confidence,  nurture self-esteem, and teach her to think.  What's more, if you give her time to express her thougths at home, she'll be more confident doing so in class.

 

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 CELEBRATE

 The Young Adolescent!

http://www.nmsa.org/moya/

An annual international collaborative effort of education, health, and youth-oriented organizations. Initiated by National Middle School Association brings together a wide range of organizations to focus on the needs of this important age range, ages 10 - 15. the key messages for the celebraton are:

*The importance of parents being knowledgeable about young adolescents and being actively involved in their lives;

*The understanding that healthy bodies plus healthy minds equal healthy young adolescents;

*The realization that the education young adolescents experience during this formative period of life will, in large measure, determine the future for all citizens; and

*The knowledge that every young adolescent should have the opportunity to pursue his or her dreams and aspirations, and post-secondary education should be a possibility for all.

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CRJH  Student Programs

09-10

 

SAP:  Student Assistance Program - a student support group (not therapy, these groups only provide support).  A school-based program that includes a systematic effort to educate and support students by providing various lessons on essential life skills. Students must have signed parent permission form to be eligible.  

1) RAP (Rising Above Problems) Groups : are held on Fridays during Advisory .   

2) Owning Up Groups:  are held on Thursdays during Advisory.    

   * Girls' World NBA (No Boys Allowed)

   * Boys' World JLB (Justice League for Boys)