How to decide whether your child should repeat the grade or not
Deciding whether a child should move on to the next grade if the child is struggling academically is hard. Do what's best for the child.
Bearing in mind how your child has performed this year, have you perhaps thought about whether he or she is ready for the next grade?
The fourth term of a school year is usually a time of reflection for parents and children. As the year draws to an end, parents will consult with their child’s teacher about the child’s progress and make a decision that is best suited to that child. If your think your child needs extra practice in mastering the skills needed to move onto the next grade, the teacher is usually the best place to start.
Director and Co-founder of Step Up Education Centres, Cindy Glass, said there is no doubt that a child who has not sufficiently mastered the skills at this level will become more fearful, less confident and progress slower if they are forced onto a more challenging level.
“The principle of learning any new skill is the same – it is best to achieve sufficient mastery of each level of study before progressing to more challenging levels of learning,” said Cindy.
Sadly, for generations, the need to repeat a school grade has been classified as a failure, leaving scores of parents and learners struggling to embrace the idea of repeating a grade to better master the necessary skills needed for the next level.
“Yet, forcing a child who is not ready into the next grade could have a significantly negative impact on the child’s self-esteem and, worse, it could slow the learning process or even stop it altogether as the child’s struggles worsen with the pressures of the new grade,” said Cindy.
Cindy gave the following advice to parents facing the decision of whether to allow their child to repeat or not:
• Repeating a grade is not a failure. It is an opportunity for a struggling learner to better master the skills (s)he needs. If you speak of failure, you children will feel that they have indeed failed. Your approach to a child repeating the grade will determine your child’s reaction toward it.
• Discuss all available options with your child’s teachers before making a final decision. Have an open mind – remember that this is about what is best for your child. Discuss any concerns that you may have openly and honestly.
• Consider your child’s level of competency in the current grade. If your child is struggling significantly, (s)he is most likely going to struggle even more in the next grade.
• Consider your child’s age and physical development. Remember, always, that you need to decide what is best for your child. A child who is significantly taller or older than their upcoming classmates may feel too embarrassed for a repeat to be of any help.
• Make a list of all the pros and cons of your child repeating the grade or going on. Ask yourself: What is best for my child? What are the long-term advantages and disadvantages? What would happen if I do or do not allow the repeat?
“There is no denying that the decision to repeat a struggling learner is an emotionally tough one to make. Take your time and do what you feel is best for your child. Remember, how you react to the situation will set the tone for how your child responds to it,” Cindy concluded.
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