Beyond a Grade

Grades are just one part of our children’s educational experience in school. Beyond a grade, every learning, mistake, and effort shapes their character and prepares them for the future. As parents, you play a crucial role in valuing the learning process and the development of skills that will accompany them throughout their lives. Ultimately, what truly matters is not the number on a sheet but how they apply what they’ve learned and become better people.

• Listen to your child’s concerns about grades. Give your child space to express their feelings and concerns about their grades. This allows them to vent and fosters open and honest communication. By listening, we show that their problems are important and valid.
• Reaffirm your unconditional love and support. Your child must know that your love does not depend on their academic achievements. Reaffirm your unconditional support, regardless of their grades. This provides a safe environment where they can grow and learn without fear of rejection.
• Encourage self-assessment. Please help your child reflect on their performance and identify areas for improvement. Self-assessment promotes self-awareness and teaches them to take responsibility for their learning. This will prepare them to be critical and autonomous individuals in the future.
• Set realistic and achievable goals. Work with your child to define clear and achievable objectives. Help them develop effective study habits that will enable them to reach these goals. Realistic goals provide a roadmap and constant motivation to keep improving.
• Could you get involved in their learning? Actively participate in their educational process. Reading together, discussing topics of interest, or visiting museums and libraries enrich their knowledge and strengthen the family bond. This shared interest shows that you value their education and are willing to support them.
• Recognize and celebrate small achievements. Every small step counts. Celebrating these milestones motivates your child and instils the value of effort in them. This practice builds a positive and resilient mindset, which is essential for facing future challenges.
• Praise the effort, not just the result. Encourage a growth mindset by praising effort and perseverance instead of focusing solely on the final result. This will teach them that learning is a continuous process and that mistakes are opportunities to improve.

Valuing the learning process and the effort it entails beyond grades is not just important, it’s essential for the comprehensive development of our children. Through these tips, we can effectively support them, strengthen their self-esteem, and prepare them for the future.

Dayanna Cevallos

Student Counseling Department

SEK Guayaquil International School