My son is 7 (first grade) and his work leaves much to be desired. He is very smart, and when we do homework, I make him take his time and he does it perfectly. He reads the directions and answers the questions correctly. However, when he is in class, his work is sloppy, he doesn't complete half the worksheets he's given, and doesn't read the directions. Its like he is trying to get it done so he can play with the other children. His teacher gives the students independent work time every day while she reads with a select few. It is during this time that he hurredly does the papers and walks around the room looking for someone to play with. His test scores are suffering as well. It's hard to know what hes doing while hes there and we are not. Ive talked with him about the importance of doing our best, weve taken away priveleges when he brings home a bad paper, stuff like that. I just don't think its sinking in! Any ideas?
My daughter was moved up a grade in the middle of her 1st grade year. That was a much needed move because she was flying through the work and was always the first one done. The work was correct, so I didn't feel the need to have her slow down. When she entered 3rd grade at age 8, I think she felt she had something to prove. She was a little younger the rest, and she was used to being the first oen done -- she off she flew! And the work wasn't always correct. It took a while to get her to realize that you don't have to be the fastest person in class to have the most correct answers. That helped a little, but instead of punishing her for the lower grades for fast work, I encouraged her with rewards for properly completed work.
The first answer is great. It's exactly what I would have written had he not submitted it first. :o) Explain to him, on his level, what's going on.
Discuss his actions...and then the natural repercussions that happen at school. And then let him know how that will affect him at home. Then explain the steps needed to correct the behavior/work at school. Write out a few, important steps that he can visualize. Not too many - you don't want to overwhelm him. Then reward him for each step mastered. Maybe a small reward (whatever is important to him) for each step, and then a bigger reward when the hard work manifests itself on his next report card.
Some answers said not to give him anything. At his age, I think it's okay. But don't make it candy....or money. Make it a reward of something he doesn't ever get to do. You can even make the rewards educational. For example - he met the first goal! Does he like animals? Arrange for him to spend the day with a veterinarian.
Does he like space? Let him take a trip and tour of a local observatory or planetarium. The trick is to make the reward something he'll remember. $5.00 for a good grade will get spent on candy and forgotten the next day. Take pictures of his "rewards" and make a scrapbook. Giving him something to look back on can also be used as encouragement for good behavior in the future!