How to Get Better Grades in Elementary School

Most students want to do well in school, even if they are just beginning their school years. Elementary school can be just as tough, stressful, and worrisome for children as high school can be for teenagers. It is important for many grade schoolers to get good grades, whether they want to do well to make their parents proud, earn money for A's on their report card, or just want to get good grades for their own satisfaction. There are ways a student in elementary school can get better grades.

Instructions

1. Know your teacher or school's grading policy. Each grade or teacher will have their own way of grading. For example, a student's report card grade in math may consist of 50 percent daily assignments, 20 percent tests and 30 percent homework. This means that half of the student's grade depends on daily work. Knowing this will allow you to make sure you carefully complete your daily assignments and turn them in to your teacher on time.

2. Keep up with your homework. It is easy for homework to get lost or to get shoved aside due to sport practices, late dinners or TV watching. As you can see from Step 1, homework can be a large portion of your grade. Make sure you get it done and turned in on time.

3. Complete your work on time. Many grading policies penalize late work. Some will subtract as much as 50 percent off the grade. This means that an easy worksheet, one that you would usually get 100 percent on would only be worth 50 percent if turned in one day late. Fifty percent is a failing grade. Stay organized and on top of your work, and you can avoid earning failing grades on assignments that would otherwise be easy A's.

4. Be involved. Parents, make sure you are up to date on what your child is learning in the classroom so that you can help your child succeed. Find out when that spelling test is, and study ahead of time. Read every night with your child. Studies show that reading engages almost all parts of the brain.

5. Have the right attitude. Elementary school is not always fun, which sometimes comes as a surprise to both students and parents alike. School is hard work for many children, but working hard is something that all students need to learn how to do. Elementary students should view learning and school as their "job" and not as a place to be entertained. Hopefully they will find that learning is fun along the way but the learning and hard work should come first. If so, then good grades will follow.

Tips & Warnings

• Volunteering in your child's classroom is an excellent way to find out what your child is learning about, and what he or she may need extra help mastering.

• Not all elementary schools are created equal. The best way to help improve your child's school is to get involved as a volunteer.

Resources

• Homework help for elementary school students