Making the Most of Academic Reports: A Positive Path to Growth!
Academic reports are coming home soon, and we know the whole family is always eager to share in their learning achievements. This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate progress and identify areas for growth together. This week I would like to share some ways to make the conversation positive and constructive, which can also lead to creating meaningful "homework goals" for the coming term - an idea shared with me recently from a parent! So I have expanded on this great idea to share with you all!

Sharing the Report: A Positive Approach
When you sit down with your child, remember your goal is to encourage and empower them!

• Choose the Right Time and Place: Find a quiet moment when you're both relaxed and have ample time. Avoid rushing or discussing it just before bedtime.
• Start with Strengths! Begin by highlighting the positive comments and subjects where your child has excelled. This builds their confidence and makes them more receptive to feedback. "Wow, you've really shone in…. Your teacher mentioned…"
• Focus on Progress, Not Just Grades: Emphasise effort and improvement, not just the grade. Acknowledge the written word.
• Encourage Self-Reflection: Ask open-ended questions. "What are you most proud of in this report?" or "Is there anything you would like to share about your learning?" Listen actively to their responses.
• Frame Challenges as Opportunities: When discussing areas for improvement, use positive language. "How can we work together to strengthen your maths skills?"
• Avoid Comparisons: Every child is unique. Comparing your child to siblings or classmates can be demotivating and counterproductive.

Using Reports to Set "Homework Goals"
Feedback in a report is like a roadmap for future learning, and some parents have shared with me that they like to use it to set clear, achievable homework goals! Here are some ideas:

• Collaborate on Goals: Involve your child in setting homework goals. This gives them ownership and increases their commitment.
• Be Specific and Achievable:
  • Instead of: "You need to read more." Try: "Let's aim to read for 15 minutes every night before bed, and you can choose the book!"
  • Instead of: "Improve your maths." Try: "We'll work on practicing our multiplication tables for 10 minutes, three times a week, using flashcards."
• Focus on One or Two Key Areas: Don't overwhelm your child with too many goals at once. Pick one or two areas from the report where a focused effort will make the biggest difference.
• Brainstorm Strategies Together: Once a goal is identified, work with your child to figure out how they'll achieve it. If organisation is an issue, maybe it's creating a dedicated study space or using a planner.
• Regular Check-Ins and Celebrations: Acknowledge their efforts and celebrate small victories along the way. This reinforces positive habits and keeps them motivated.

By reading reports as a family and approaching them with a positive mindset, you can empower your child to take ownership of their learning and feel more supported. Being open and creating invaluable discussion around their academic report fosters a love for learning and shows them that with effort and your support at home, they can achieve great things!

Kind regards,

Nerissa McCartney
Teaching and Learning