Whats expected by the end of year 4? Demotivated daughter.

[charliecat]

DD1 has always been the perfect pupil at school, quiet, gets on with her work, has never got in trouble etc etc...which should be great, but the truth is it means she is forgotten about
She knows that the others who misbehave are rewarded for behaving for short periods of time and that her behaving all the time is...well expected and not rewarded.
And so her spelling is crap, she doesnt care, but its still the top end of her class,so its ok as far as the teachers concerned, but it SHOULD and COULD be better. Theres no reason for it not to be.
Anyway...im going to spend 2 evening a week going over spellings and maths and whatever shes doing at school with a reward at home...just need to know where she should be so I know what we are working towards.
Thanks.

What about some fun projects that you could do together, get her to do research, make up posters or a scrap book and make it an enjoyable time for both of you.

Agree other activities can be good too, DS is in the scouts now but I was impressed at all the badge work and stuff they did in cubs also, as well as the team games and camps.

You could ask her teacher for the targets for whatever level she is working on. My dd is in year 4 and at her last parents evening I remember the targets are very specific so could help you know what to focus on. My dd loves the 'primary games' website. I've done it with her to help with anything she's struggling with - it was good for telling the time.

I had a lot of success motivating students I tutored to improve their spelling an grammar by getting them to write fan letters. If you write to the Queen or big sports stars (especially footballers) you are nearly guaranteed a reply, often with a signed picture as well. This in itself is motivating, and you can cram an awful lot of spelling and grammar work into simple letters.

Brownies are a good idea too. Have you considered some extracurricular activity that celebrates success? I was specifically thinking of amateur dramatics where she can show off and be feted for it, maybe even in the local press.

Thanks for all your replys. She does swimming at the weekends and enjoys the praise and encouragement she gerts there. Shes not a brownies sort and would prefer to either sit on the computer or play in her room setting up zoos and things.
The scrabble found the way out of the cupboard today, and I had her adding up the scores and being in charge of the dictionary.
I think im going to go in that sort of direction...

Im also going to speak to the teacher and expand on whatever history geography subject they are doing...cutting out picture etc etc...getting some more spelling practice etc in there

Scrabble is fantastic idea.

charliecat
am rushing off now - but email me
popsycal2005
at
yahoo
dot co
dot uk

am a year 5 teacher

Have emailed. Thank you!