How to Respond to Your Child’s First School Report
How to Respond to Your Child’s First School Report: Expert Advice to Support Their Success
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Expert Advice to Support Their Success
Every fall, before October 15, parents in Quebec receive their child’s first communication from school. This official document, filled out by teachers, provides valuable insights about your child’s behavior, participation, independence, and work habits.
Even though it doesn’t include grades, it’s an important progress snapshot that helps you understand how your child is adapting to the new school year.
Understanding What the First Report Really Means
This first report isn’t a formal report card — it’s meant to open communication between home and school.
The comments — such as “very good,” “good with some help,” or “needs improvement” — are meant as conversation starters, not judgments.
Pro tip: Read the report calmly with your child. Ask open questions and listen carefully to how they feel about it. The goal is to collaborate, not criticize.
Spotting Early Signs of Difficulty
This early feedback comes at a crucial time — just weeks into the school year.
If the teacher notes challenges (like attention, motivation, or organization), now is the best moment to act before they affect grades later on.
Ask yourself:
- Is my child motivated to do homework?
- Does my child seem to understand what’s expected in class?
- Are routines at home helping or making schoolwork harder?
If your child seems to need extra support, a qualified tutor can make a real difference by building skills and confidence before the next report card.
Learn how Succès Scolaire’s certified tutors can help your child get back on track right now.
Setting Small, Realistic Goals Together
Use the teacher’s feedback to set positive, achievable goals.
Examples:
- If your child is shy → encourage them to ask two questions per week in class.
- If they struggle with organization → set a 15–20 minute homework routine without screens each evening.
The key is to focus on effort, consistency, and growth, not perfection.
Focusing on Strengths Builds Confidence
Even if not everything looks perfect, make sure to highlight what’s going well.
Praising your child’s progress and perseverance helps build self-confidence and motivation.
A few words of encouragement can have a greater impact than hours of study.
When to Seek Extra Support
If the report mentions ongoing challenges or if you feel unsure about how to help, it’s the right time to seek personalized academic support.
At Succès Scolaire, our certified university tutors work with students at every grade level — online or in person — to rebuild confidence and learning strategies.