Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?

I now tutor a ten year old student entering fifth grade. His good manners make me think he probably gets lost in a classroom of rowdy ten year olds.

As a teacher I often had to work with the kids who caused disturbances while the good kids were quiet. Quiet doesn't always mean a student is working or that he comprehends.

Practice is important. Because our children work with computers and computer games early, they write a lot less than they need to.

1. Have your child write his spelling words or any other words or facts he needs to learn on cards. If each card contains one word or one fact, learning can be focused on small bits. Make your own "flash cards" and use them for review, even after you think that information has been learned. If the child writes the word carefully and neatly, he'll remember it better. Have him say the letters as he writes them.

2. If a child has poor handwriting, stress that there are times when neatness is important and remind him he isn't racing. Today journals allow a student a place to write without worrying about neatness or spelling. That can reduce pressure and encourage a student to write more, but there are times when neatness and correct spelling and grammar count.

3. Always allow a child to do a rough draft to get his ideas together, then have him do a neater draft with correct spelling and neat writing. Teach students that drafting is good.

4. If you want to help a child improve his handwriting, let him practice with the paper he used in first grade or pretend regular ruled paper is old practice paper. Have him use three lines as two. This can help him remember to keep the letters in proportion.