Child Lack of Effort in Class Work?

O.,
First of all..you are just awesome..... good for you that you help your family as well as have the big responsibility of taking care of three children of your own.
10 yr old boys (actually until they are about 25 yrs old) are pretty much not focused. If you can get him into a physical sport it will help him. Also, when my kids were young, they had older 1/2 siblings who were in college. Seeing what college is about, just driving there and seeing it, made an impression. And having extended family that stressed school/college helped them too. I would not recommend medications... (what did we do in the 50's and 60's before all that hdhd pill popping). You will have to just make sure he does his homework. Does he need glasses? Should he sit at the front of the class? How does he get along with the other kids? Are they teasing him for any reason? All these things will effect his performance. Keep him away from violent tv programs too. Good job....
L.

Hi O.,

Have you considered that maybe the work does not interest your brother because it is too easy? Many times children who are advanced in their learning abilities don't take work seriously and just seem like they can't be bothered. Try an incentive program where your brother earns stickers or something and at the end of a week if he has a certain number he gets a reward (time doing something he likes etc.) Also talk to him and ask him what subjects he likes and why and maybe what kind of homework he would give himself if he had to. He might surprise you!

What a great sister you are! By reading your post, I can tell you are a very caring and nuturing person. Your family is blessed to have you as a daughter, sister, and mother. This is what I have found when ttrying to find help with my 12 yr old son. Be polite but very persistent with the school administration and the teachers. Keep communicating with them and asking for help for your brother. You may even call Legal Aid in your area to find an organization that helps families in the educational system. Legal Aid is free. If they are not able to help, ask where you can find help. Find out who the school social worker is or the school special education person and ask them , straight forward, "What services might be available for my brother". There are a lot of government guidlines that schools must follow, especially with children who are struggling. By struggling it could be one of many things. For example, language, economics, development, learning challenges, homelessness, nutrition, psychological. Some things that might be available are, an EST - educational support team, a 504 plan, or an IEP (Individualized Educational Plan). Is there an afterschool program available for homework help? Is the school able to provide a tutor for one-on-one work during a study hall or after school? I am sure there are government mandated supports available for your brother because your parent do not speak English. Your family has a first native language, the children speak english, but that is considered a second language. Keep asking questions and looking for answers. The school might not want to offer answers because it costs them money to support students. The trick is you have to ask them the right questions? I know, first hand, it is not easy. I only speak english and I'm white so "technically" I wouldn't run into barriers, but I did and I do. So keep at it! Your family has a right to an education and ALL it offers. I know it can be stressful at home helping one child with homework and the others also wanting attention. That is why I suggest the Afterschool help or a tutor. It will relieve some of the stress at home. There is help out there, better to find it now and get supports in place before he goes to middle school. In middle school organization and homework completion becomes even more important. Many blessings for you and your family. You are doing great things for your siblings and children.
M. P.

Definitely stay involved and keep pushing. I would contact the school and ask if interpreters are available for your parents to have a meeting with the teacher(s). I know that during the special ed. IEP process that the city of Peabody school department must provide an interpreter. At the very least, could you be present during a meeting with the teacher to interpret to your parents? I think they really need to get involved. Perhaps this would give your little brother the big push into him really trying. You're a great big sister, and he is lucky to have you. Good luck.