Lynn Gumas is a teacher at Gill Elementary School in Farmington, Michigan. She's also certified to provide special education. She keeps her eyes open for kids who seem to be doing their best but still fall behind in their school work. Here are a few of her suggestions for helping these students:
- Child study. Gill Elementary holds what they call a "child study" when a teacher notices potential learning difficulties in a student. This is a meeting involving the school's special education teacher, principal and other teachers who have contact with the child. The group brainstorms possible solutions, such as pairing with another child to help with homework and modifying the child's workload. If your child is having trouble, ask if it's possible to arrange this type of meeting at your child's school. You may be able to correct the problem with just a few adjustments.
- Reading recovery/other subject-specific resources. Most schools have some additional reading tutoring and writing tutoring resources for students who need extra help, and many have resources for math and other subjects too. Gill Elementary has a Reading Recovery program that's offered during school hours. Winchester Elementary in Northville, Michigan, has a Reading Boost program. Ask what's available at your child's school.
- Student tutoring. At Gill Elementary, high school National Honor Society students provide elementary tutoring two nights a week. Students can drop in for help with any subject. Gumas said children often do well with this type of learning because they look up to high school students and can sometimes better relate to them than to adults. Ask if your school offers any programs involving student tutors. It just may work!
Pamela A. Zinkosky volunteers for Gill Elementary School's Parent-Teacher Association Reflections program, a national program that rewards students for excellence in writing, art, photography and music.