Struggling with Low Grades? How to Raise Them Fast Before It’s Too Late

Is your child’s report card around the corner, and you’re worried about their grades? You’re not alone. Many parents find themselves scrambling to find ways to help their children raise their grades quickly, especially in the final quarter. As a certified teacher and experienced tutor, I know firsthand how quickly small adjustments can make a big impact. If you’re wondering how to pull up grades fast before it’s too late, here’s a step-by-step plan that works—especially when time is running out.

🎯 Focus on Foundational Gaps First

When students struggle in a subject, it’s often because they missed key foundational concepts earlier in the year. Teachers know that even small gaps in knowledge can snowball, making it harder for a child to grasp more advanced concepts. Before pushing ahead, take a step back and address these gaps.

👉 What You Can Do:

• Review past assignments, quizzes, and tests to pinpoint areas of weakness.

• Spend 15–20 minutes each day reviewing missed concepts with your child.

• Use engaging resources like flashcards, videos, or online practice to reinforce learning.

As Dr. Louisa Moats, literacy expert and author of Speech to Print, says, “Repetition and practice build mastery. Even a few minutes of targeted review can reinforce learning and boost confidence.”

📝 Prioritize High-Impact Assignments

Not all assignments carry equal weight in the final grade. Teachers often advise students to prioritize high-impact assignments—like final projects, tests, and essays—that can significantly shift their overall grade. Focusing on these assignments can maximize results in less time.

Parent Hack:

• Check the grading rubric or syllabus to identify assignments that count the most.

• Sit with your child and create a checklist with deadlines to stay organized.

• Help them plan out mini-deadlines to avoid last-minute stress.

Completing these high-value assignments successfully can quickly boost your child’s overall grade.

⏱️ Break Study Time into Smaller Chunks

Long study sessions can lead to burnout and frustration. Teachers know that short, focused study sessions—like the Pomodoro Technique—improve retention and understanding better than marathon study sessions. This method involves 25-minute study sessions followed by 5-minute breaks to keep focus sharp.

👉 How to Implement It:

• Schedule 3–4 focused sessions on different subjects each day.

• Encourage your child to rotate between subjects to maintain engagement.

• Use break time for stretching or quick movement to avoid fatigue.

This approach prevents overwhelm and improves focus—especially for younger learners who need variety.

📧 Reach Out to Teachers for Guidance

Communication with teachers can be a game-changer when time is limited. Many parents don’t realize that a quick email can uncover extra credit opportunities, missing assignments, or personalized advice that could help improve grades before the quarter ends.

Sample Email: “Hi [Teacher Name], I’ve noticed [Child’s Name] is struggling with [subject]. Are there any high-impact assignments or extra credit opportunities that could help improve their grade before the final quarter? I’d love any suggestions or resources you recommend. Thank you so much!”

This proactive approach shows teachers that you’re invested in your child’s success, and they’re often more than willing to provide actionable solutions.

🎯 Set Small, Achievable Goals

Setting short-term, achievable goals gives children a sense of control and boosts motivation. Teachers encourage students to break larger tasks into smaller goals to avoid overwhelm and build momentum.

Goal Ideas:

• Complete all homework for a week without missing an assignment.

• Improve a test score by 5 points by reviewing missed concepts.

• Turn in upcoming assignments on time with no missing work.

Celebrating these small wins helps build confidence and keeps your child motivated to keep going.

🎧 Use Multi-Sensory Learning Techniques

Every child learns differently. Teachers often use multi-sensory approaches that engage visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles to reinforce understanding. According to Dr. Sally Shaywitz, a reading expert and author of Overcoming Dyslexia, “Children retain information better when they experience it through multiple senses—seeing, hearing, and doing.”

👉 What This Looks Like:

• Visual: Use diagrams, charts, or graphic organizers.

• Auditory: Encourage your child to read aloud or listen to educational podcasts.

• Kinesthetic: Incorporate hands-on learning activities, such as using manipulatives for math.

Mixing these techniques improves retention and deepens understanding—making it easier for your child to grasp complex concepts quickly.

🧠 Consider One-on-One Tutoring for Targeted Support

When time is limited, nothing beats personalized support. Teachers know that one-on-one tutoring targets problem areas more efficiently and reinforces learning at a pace that suits the student. Tutors can quickly identify weak spots, focus on high-priority areas, and accelerate progress.

👉 Why It Works:

• Personalized attention focuses on the specific areas where your child struggles.

• Tutors create individualized learning plans that cater to your child’s pace and learning style.

• Progress is tracked and adjusted regularly to ensure rapid improvement.

At Unboggle, we specialize in meeting learners where they are—whether at home, in a public setting, or online. Our expert tutors provide customized support that helps students turn things around quickly.

🎁 Bonus Tip: Create a Reward System for Motivation

Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Create a simple reward system to keep your child motivated during this final push. Small incentives—like extra screen time or a favorite treat—can encourage consistent effort and reinforce positive habits.

📣 It’s Not Too Late—Take Action Now!

By focusing on these teacher-approved strategies, you can raise your child’s grades fast and help them finish the quarter strong. But if you’re short on time and need personalized support, Unboggle is here to help.

👉 Submit Your Interest Form Today and let our expert tutors help your child succeed before it’s too late!

Happy learning!