Why High School Students are Falling Behind in Reading and Writing

High school is a significant part of the education process for any student. The experience prepares them for university admission and various undergraduate programmes by equipping them with the tools to help them adapt to the world as adults. A lot of opportunities rely on a student's high school education. Therefore, your child needs to make the most out of their time in high school. However, high school may be a challenging period for some students. They may take time to understand and catch up to the other students, or they may fall behind in class. 

When a student’s performance gets affected, it can be detrimental to their self-esteem and overall development of the student. They begin to lose interest in schoolwork, become distant, or are more likely to face more problems, such as bullying.

Why Do Students Fall Behind?

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1. Bullying

Most times, when a student is experiencing bullying, they will fall behind. Although GIIS, an International School,has mechanisms in place to ensure cohesive learning, some high school students still experience bullying. Parents and teachers know that bullying and low academic performance go hand-in-hand. Usually, bullied students underperform to avoid undue attention from teachers and classmates. While the stress makes them less active, they also maintain a low profile, hoping no one will notice them. 

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Solution: Many high school students who are experiencing bullying prefer to stay silent. They may not speak up, but they are shaken inside as it affects their social interaction, and confidence. Therefore, parents, teachers and schools need to come together and encourage children to have open and sincere conversations. Regular communication and checking in on their progress will let parents and teachers know right away if other students or siblings are alienating or picking on your child.

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2. Family problems

No one can concentrate on or explore their full potential when they are stressed. The loss of a family member, divorce of parents, or financial instability are all causes of extreme stress in children, including teenagers. A student who deals with a hostile home environment is likely to lose interest in schoolwork as well as extra-curricular activities. It can also lead to loss of concentration, which can affect their overall performance. The student can feel guilty, angry, and assume they are directly responsible for the negative environment of the home. 

Solution: Parents should keep communication open with their children and provide them emotional support. Let them know struggles happen, but things will be okay. Allow your child to be part of some conversations and make them aware of these changes. Seek out the help of teachers and school counsellors on how to keep the communication channels open. Communicate lovingly and listen to their needs. When your child understands and feels like part of the decision-making team, it is easier for them to adapt to these changes and heal.

3. Disability

Students with disabilities such as dyslexia, autism, or ADHD can have a hard time keeping up with the rest of the students. Reading and writing can happen at a slower pace, and they may take some time to process information. Some students with learning disabilities also struggle with maintaining focus. When the student deals with any of these conditions, they cannot keep track of the assignments, and class participation reduces, which results in low performance.

Solution: However, a student with a learning disability can get good grades and actively participate in class. You can be patient and encourage students and praise every achievement as a way of motivating them. When they receive support from the people around them, they are likely to approach each task with ease. GIIS Abu Dhabi is equipped to handle specially gifted children. Our teachers include the children in the learning process. The students will have time to process information, ask questions, and the teachers will pay attention to your child's needs and follow their pace, which will help your child to give their best performance. 

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4. Inadequate Rest

The learning process and participation in extracurricular activities can take a toll on a student's mind. The need for adequate rest cannot be stressed enough.  After a hectic school day, when children get home, they may want to stay up late watching movies, playing video games, or talking to friends. As a result, it leads to loss of sleep, which is associated with loss of focus, stamina and memory and attention. Lack of proper sleep can also cause stress, and depression which will affect the student's overall performance.

Solution: As a parent, maintaining strict bedtime schedules will help improve your child's sleeping pattern. You can let them know the importance of an early bedtime during school nights and ensure they abide by the schedule. They can have a flexible schedule over the weekend. When a student gets proper sleep, they are more alert, active, happier and more likely to participate in class.

5. School environment

Your child may fall behind because they do not like the school. Many students who do not enjoy the school environment may start producing low grades as a way of rebelling. The student may not enjoy the curriculum, they may not feel like they fit in, or the activities at the school may not appeal to them and contribute to their growth. 

Solution: The learning process should not focus on academic performance only. Students should be able to nurture skills and talents and pursue the things they love. Therefore, before you select a school for your child, you can include them in the process. Ask them about their interests, hobbies, and the things they are good at doing. You can even ask them to give you a list of schools that they love so you can choose the best one together. 

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6. Laziness

Laziness may be one of the main reasons why students fall behind. High school assignments, projects, and other obligations can be overwhelming. Some students lose interest and do want to take part in these requirements. Although it is often in phases that a student can snap out of, some students never regain interest in schoolwork. The laziness and lack of interest will lead to low performance.

Solution: When a student loses motivation, they can become lazy. They need encouragement to spark their interest. You can help your child to set goals for the school year, ask the teachers to involve them in various activities so that they can find what appeals to them, praise their efforts, and reward their achievements. When the student has your support and enjoys the learning process, they gain motivation to improve. 

Here are a Few More Ways to Encourage Your Child to Improve their Performance:

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1. You can talk to the teachers to find more support. Teachers also want what's best for their students. Therefore, when you ask them for help, they will come up with ways to help your child maximise their potential.

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2. When your child is falling behind, it is beneficial to enlist the services of a tutor. One on one coaching may help your child to understand better.

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3. Although rewarding accomplishments may improve their performance, you can find ways to reward the student's achievements without breeding entitlement.

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4. Talk to your child lovingly and focus on their progress. Sometimes when you want them to produce good results, the pressure will affect their academic performance.  Congratulate them for every achievement.

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A high school student can communicate their feelings. Therefore, always take some time to engage them so that you can understand why they are having a hard time in school. This information will give your insight on how to help them improve and catch up with their classmates.  A school with an effective support system for the students will also impact your child's performance. Guidance counsellors and professional teachers can also help and encourage your child to achieve excellence.