For most parents, the end of the school year can bring a sigh of relief to parents who have watched their children struggle through their classes. For most teachers, the end of the school year is a hassle to get “everything done” before the school doors close. No one, parents or teachers, wants to have parental meetings, yet this time of the year may be the best time for parents to discuss any learning problems, not necessarily learning disabilities, a child might have.

If your child’s grades have not been up to what you feel they should be, set up a meeting. Be realistic, however. Don’t expect your child to get “A’s” in every subject. Go with your “gut feeling.” Is the D in English really the result of a reading disability or the result of not having done the required assignments?

Having had your child as a student in the classroom for an entire year, teachers have some significant data on his or her learning ability. Scheduling an informal meeting during the last month of school is not necessarily the imposition it appears to be.

Here are some tips for having an informal meeting.

Call the teachers early in the day and ask for a brief meeting. Stress the word “brief.” It’s been a long year.

Let the teachers know that you understand they are busy but you really need to seek their input on a matter concerning your child.

If you feel comfortable with discussing your child over the phone, do so, but do it without any distractions on your end. Most teachers try to have phone conversations in a private office or teachers’ room without noise or other distractions.

Whether it is an in-person or phone meeting, state your concerns immediately after the “pleasantries.” (e.g. “Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I know the end of school is hectic. I’m glad we could have this meeting. Let me tell you my concerns.”)

If teachers think there might be a significant problem, they may recommend the school’s Child Study Team evaluate your child. They may also, however, tell you they don’t feel there is a serious problem with learning. The child may just be a little immature. That is not a major problem, nor a disability.

Maturing is subjective; we all mature in our own time. There were times when I had seen a less than average student mature over the summer and improve their grades in a new school year.

Ask to speak with teachers who will have your child in the next grade. Find out what the curriculum is going to be, (teachers keep notes on what they teach from year to year), and ask if there is anything you, as a parent, can do to help your child over the summer.


Being forewarned is being forearmed especially when it comes to getting help for your child. The summer months can be an excellent opportunity to help your child keep learning but don’t stress them out with a school-like atmosphere.

Enroll them in a library program and let them choose books that interest them to take home or on vacation.

Play silly math games. Example: two 2’s equal one 4 but one 4 minus one 2 makes 2! (from: © 2005 i Teach! K. Houghton)

Talk about the history of places you visit on vacation or the history of where you live. The local library, again, is the place to go.

Just remember that Summer is a time to unwind for both you and your child. Have fun with them. Childhood isn’t forever.