grades

Maxy24

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#1
What do you consider "bad" grades on a report card? (not a test or something like that) Just curious, I know lots of kids who are ecstatic at getting a C+ and some who cry if they get a B-. Also what do you do when your kids gets bad grades? I got a report card and it was pretty bad, I then hear my parents talking about how they plan to punish me, you know take away computer or TV, all that good stuff. That's when I realized how ineffective punishing me is. I get bad grades because I don't finish my homework (actually projects usually) if they want me to get good grades punishing me isn't going to do it, helping me probably would. I need someone to remind me to do my HW, I am probably too old to need that but I do. I need them to say get off the computer and do your HW now, I'm as obedient as obedient comes so if they said it I would without a fight. Basically every time I get a bad report card mom yells at me, asks me why this happened, tells me I'm not going to be a vet and to think of something else to be. Dad says at this rate I won't be able to get into college. They're not helping, it's clearly not working and well my self esteem is low enough as it is to be honest with you.

anyway, how do you handle (or would you handle) bad grades.
 

Beanie

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#2
Well, C is technically average... to me a D is a "bad grade," because that's getting to where you're almost failing.

But no, yelling and punishing and saying "You aren't getting into college!!" doesn't help. You're right, you don't need somebody to yell at you, you need somebody to help you. Can you ask your parents to remind you to do your homework at a set time every night (if that's possible?) Like maybe after dinner, they can remind you to do your homework before you hop on the computer? Or if they won't help, maybe you should try to do it as soon as you get home from school. I know that's a total drag but it might help keep you focused if you do it right away.

*hugs* I'm sorry your parents are yelling at you over this. You know, even if your grades are slipping or "bad", I'm sure you could always get into a community college. You may find you do a lot better in community college than in high school - and there's NO SHAME in community college. It's a HECK of a lot cheaper for your first two years, and honestly, I find that the teachers at my community college were actually better than a lot of the teachers I have now in my upper level college. =P
 

PWCorgi

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#3
What do you consider "bad" grades on a report card?
Anything below a 95% in most classes for me.

Also what do you do when your kids gets bad grades?
My mom doesn't usually look at my report cards, I get good grades because I want good grades for myself. My sister didn't really care about grades so when my Dad was alive he would pay her for good grades and just lecture about bad grades. That seemed to work for her.

That's when I realized how ineffective punishing me is. I get bad grades because I don't finish my homework (actually projects usually) if they want me to get good grades punishing me isn't going to do it, helping me probably would. I need someone to remind me to do my HW, I am probably too old to need that but I do. I need them to say get off the computer and do your HW now, I'm as obedient as obedient comes so if they said it I would without a fight. Basically every time I get a bad report card mom yells at me, asks me why this happened, tells me I'm not going to be a vet and to think of something else to be. Dad says at this rate I won't be able to get into college. They're not helping, it's clearly not working and well my self esteem is low enough as it is to be honest with you.
Have you told them this?

IMO though, you really should be taking this into your own hands and making yourself get off the computer and do homework. Set a timer or something to remind you to go do homework. What I used to do is to come home, do my homework, and getting on the computer was a way to reward myself for doing my homework.
 

Baxter'smybaby

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#4
Erin--maybe you need to talk with your parents and let them know you've been thinking about things and find that maybe you could use their help or ideas--for keeping track of projects, etc. When I was a student (ooooo sooooo many years ago!)--I taped a calendar to my desk, and made "mini deadlines' on the calendar for projects. That way I saw it everyday--and couldn't "forget' to work. Another idea--set a timer for yourself. Maybe a half hour of computer time, then work for an hour. Just some ideas.
I know I had expectations for my kids to bring home A's,B's, and maybe C. D and F--not without a real good reason. But I also made sure they knew their time would be limited if they couldn't manage things themselves (yep, took away computer time, etc.)--but I think a proactive plan if far better. Parents get frustrated too!
 

PWCorgi

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#6
lol Lauren--you and I suggested a timer!!--They work!
LOL, great minds think alike :D

Also wanted to add, the 95% is for myself personally (I think I read the question wrong, lol). If I had kids (which I never plan to), it would be an individual thing based on what they are capable of :)
 

GlassOnion

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#7
Anything less than a B is completely unacceptable. With B's it depends on the class. A 'B' in technical writing isn't acceptable where as a B in Microbiology is (though I was literally one point short of an A, one freaking point anywhere in the semester...sigh).
 

Maxy24

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#8
I do get off the computer I just check Chaz and am off a half hour at most when I first get home then I'm off until after dinner. And I do want good grades, I have some subjects where I simply have no idea what they are talking about (actually just Chemistry) but for the most part I do and study, do my classwork, care very much about my grades and have full intentions of doing my homework when I get home. oh and for grades I got all C+ in my main classes and A's in Child Development and Health. The only class I can say I did all my work is English, I just got a C on both theses I wrote. I used to do awesome at all school subjects right up until last year when I went to high school. I've never failed a class and my semester grades (the ones colleges see) were fine, A's and B's since last term I did fine (I always do the first term because I haven't fallen behind in work yet). I'm trying to get straight A's this term, it started Monday and I haven't missed an assignment yet but it's not usually until I get a project that i start not handing things in.

Another question, how long does it take you (or took you as a 10th grader) to do all your HW?
 

Melissa_W

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#9
I'm sorry Maxy! It sounds like you need to talk to your parents. If you tell them what you just told us, I'm sure they would be happy to help you. Most parents just want what's best of their children, but many don't know how to go about it in a helpful way.

As for what I consider to be a bad grade, I think if you perform under what you are capable of, that's a bad grade. Doing your best and learning the material is what matters the most.
 

HoundedByHounds

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#10
My sisters got money for A's & B's....say what you want about it...it worked. They brought home good grades.

It's not even a bad example because in the real world...if you do your work, do it right, and do it on time...you WILL be paid more than someone who doesn't.
 

GlassOnion

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#11
Another question, how long does it take you (or took you as a 10th grader) to do all your HW?
Depends on the subject. Math would take me up to an hour to finish (just because you had to write out EVERY SINGLE FREAKING STEP and weren't allowed to do any of it in your head, which the majority of it you could do). Chemistry and Biology usually took about 30 - 45 minutes dependent on whether you had to draw out formulas/structures. English would take about 15 minutes. Never had history homework.
 

PWCorgi

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#12
Another question, how long does it take you (or took you as a 10th grader) to do all your HW?
In my high school, tenth grade is the most homework intensive year (unless you take AP classes in junior/senior year). I would say I probably did 3/4 hours a night of homework, which right now seems like a great idea compared to the 7/8 or more hours of homework I do now...
 

Baxter'smybaby

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#13
If you are struggling with certain subjects-you may want to consider a tutor. One of my boys had a real hard time with Math--it didn't work for us (his parents) to help--so we hired a tutor. Didn't want to spend extra money--but wanted to help him in a way that worked for him. Maybe there are teachers who could give some help.
I think it's important in high school to learn foundation skills--meaning, if you don't "get" a topic--then make sure you find help right away. Otherwise, you won't "get" all the other info. following it since you didn't understand the foundation piece. Does that make sense? Lots of kids have a hard time transitioning to high school expectations.
 

PoodleMommy

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#14
It seems like you need to take into consideration what you want to do in life.

If you want to be a vet, like it or not, grades matter... vet schools arent going to care what you think is a good grade they want top grades... I thought applying to law school was bad they wanted a 3.7 or higher basically (which is an A- average) and I am sure vet schools are worse due to the fact that there is fewer of them...
(by worse I mean they expect even higher)

You shouldnt want to get good grades for your parents... now is the time to work hard because it is only going to get harder (exponentially harder!) in college. You should want to get good grades to fulfill your dreams.

Just something to think about... and like PWC said, if you think you have too much work now just wait until college.
 

Baxter'smybaby

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#15
I think the amount of homework expected has increased over the years. Add that to busy family lives...and it does make it hard. Erin--you will be ok, just try to create a support system that will work for you. A place to start is your parents. I know I would've loooooved if my kids came to me and said....I've been thinking...I need someway to figure this out--can you help??
 

GlassOnion

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#16
I know I would've loooooved if my kids came to me and said....I've been thinking...I need someway to figure this out--can you help??
Man, I wish I could've done that. My parents don't know a thing about Calculus (or even geometry), chemistry (my dad knows a bit but only certain facts, not why they're facts), or biology.
 

SharkBait

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#17
I'm pretty rubbish at meeting deadlines too, I'm known to miss a day of school if i haven't got something completed that i should have!

But, after my GCSE's (where are you from? these are in UK system) i learned that in the end, it's me who's benefiting or being disadvantaged by my results, not my parents, even if they do fuss about getting decent grades. I felt motivated after working hard the last few weeks before my big exams and getting good results i was really happy about. So although the computer is really (and i mean really!) addictive :p, you just gotta discipline yourself, and say 'after i do an hours work time i can reward myself for an hour (or half an hour whatever)' It worked for me, and i HATE revising.

PS- oh by the way, NEVER do your homework near the computer, sooner or later you'll give into temptation! lol (i do!)
AND GOOD LUCK! :D
 

SharkBait

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#18
SLIGHLY OFF TOPIC BUT- can someone give me a general idea of how the american schooling system works? what age are you in 10th grade? i get so confused! lol
 

Laurelin

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#19
I think C's and below aren't 'good' grades, but well, when you're in college you get different ideas.

In high school I got all A's and I never really tried. I'd freak if I got a B. I'd always been worried about what my parents would think if I did poorly.

Turns out I shouldn't have.

I bombed a semester here (literally bombed) and my parents were really understanding. I had a lot going on at the time and I was just miserable. I got so anxious about grades I couldn't concentrate at all. I couldn't sleep, I gained weight, it was just a mess.

My sister has anxiety problems too and when hers start acting up she just does terribly in school. she's doing wonderfully (A's and B's) now but almost failed 3rd grade.

I guess my point is that a 'good grade' changes over time and with people. As my father said recently though that grades are for you, not your parents so you should try to do yourself proud and not worry about what others think and how they do.
 

GlassOnion

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#20
PS- oh by the way, NEVER do your homework near the computer, sooner or later you'll give into temptation! lol (i do!)
Don't do it in your bed either. A most excellent way to wake up to a drool covered book and your mom screaming "YOU'RE GONNA BE LATE FOR SCHOOL!"

can someone give me a general idea of how the american schooling system works? what age are you in 10th grade? i get so confused! lol
You start out in Kindergarten at about 5 years old, then it's 5-6 in first, 6-7 in second, 7-8 in third, 8-9 in fourth, 10-11 in fifth, 11 - 12 in sixth, 12 - 13 in seventh, 13 - 14 in eighth, 14 - 15 in ninth (freshman), 15 - 16 in 10th (sophomore), 16 - 17 in 11th (junior), 17 - 18 in 12th (senior). Then you go to college (well most people do).

bombed a semester here (literally bombed) and my parents were really understanding.
I wish I had your parents. Through out high school anything less than an A was borderline punishable. Had I gotten a C I'd still be sitting in my room today.

My parents laxed up a bit and graciously 'allowed' me to make Bs now in college, but only in certain subjects and I have to explain why or they cut my tuition.
 

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