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Consider repeating
A decision that commits your child for an entire year should not be taken lightly! Before thinking about repeating a year, long discussions with the teacher and the young person concerned are essential. Understanding their difficulties will help you make the best choice.
When a child has fallen slightly behind during the school year, there is no need to panic. A little motivation and will – accompanied, if necessary, by a few private lessons – can help him regain a correct level before the end of the year.
But when the basics have not been integrated, repetition should be considered. Forcing a passage into the upper class without these achievements risks, in fact, weighing on the rest of his schooling. Make him catch up during the summer? Not so simple… Because, as Richard Redondo, school psychologist, affirms it, “the notebooks of holidays are not enough to fill the deep gaps.”
Where do these difficulties come from?
Your child’s poor performance may have something to do with your child that you haven’t yet suspected. Would he suffer from a problem such as dyslexia, deafness, etc. ? Is it sufficiently mature? Has he had a small drop in morale during the year? In this case, do not hesitate to consult the specialist (speech therapist, psychologist, etc.) who will help him progress and advise you on his orientation.
Is grade repetition the ultimate solution?
All the possibilities (change of school, support course, etc.) must be considered with the teacher before opting for repetition. The child, of course, must be involved in these discussions. The main thing is that he understands the merits of the decision, whatever it is, in order to accept it as well as possible.
Can we dispute a repetition?
In elementary school, the last word is left to the parents. If the teaching team remains stuck on its position of keeping the student in the cycle, the family can then appeal to the academic inspection, which will decide. Very rare cases.
In secondary school, the final choice is made by the family in 5th year, in college, then in 1st year, in high school. In other years, the decision is taken by the school head on the advice of the class council. Of course, in case of disagreement, the parents can appeal. The student’s file is then examined by a committee which will decide whether or not to maintain repetition.
My child is repeating
Reassure him
“First of all, it is important to explain to the child who repeats that his schooling is not ruined! At school, you learn to succeed but also to make mistakes. It is not good, but it is tolerated. Conversely, repetition should not be trivialized. Some parents believe that their offspring’s bad grades are not that bad since, anyway, the school system allows them to redo a year. Wrongly! This then means that failure is authorized for him. “
Don’t “give it up”
“The child must feel supported by his parents and the teacher throughout the repeated year. Be careful, however, not to suffocate it. You have to succeed in monitoring your education closely while leaving the impression of being independent. If he is still having difficulties, it is better to wait until at least the second term before having him take evening classes! So as not to put pressure on him too quickly… ”
Restore his confidence
“A child can feel humiliated when he learns of his grade repetition. But as soon as he integrates his new class, he regains his self-confidence. He is the “oldest” and the most experienced! The teacher should not insist on his weaknesses but, on the contrary, put him forward in relation to the other pupils, by sending him often to the blackboard, for example. “
As for you, parents, you too can help him. If you feel that your toddler has a particular interest in an activity (theater, piano, tennis, etc.) and that he is also gifted, do not hesitate to register him in a club. To be strong in a field, even if it is not in maths or in French, it is rewarding!
Before a repetition, an appointment with the school psychologist may be offered to the child. It is a frequent step, but not obligatory. During this interview, the specialist will try to identify the way in which the young schoolboy learns and reasons, through a series of tests. This consultation will above all allow the student to open up and confide in his friends, his family… Once trust has been established with the shrink, both establish a “project” for success for the coming year.