My first-grader is not doing well in school. His teacher says he's a good kid, not disruptive, but not a standout student, either. I worry that he may be falling behind. How can I help him succeed? – Kate It's great that you're addressing this problem now, while your child is just beginning his schooling. Kids who struggle in school year after year have a harder time getting back on track once their learning problems are addressed. You need to get to the root of the problem to learn how to help your son. Ask yourself: Does he struggle to see the blackboard? He could need glasses. Is he anxious about going to school? Maybe there's an emotional issue. It is hard for him to sit still and focus? He could have a problem paying attention. Talk to your son and his teacher to see what may be getting in the way of learning. Then, schedule an appointment with: His pediatrician. The doctor can evaluate your son to see if there's a physical problem (for instance, with his vision or hearing) or whether he might have a developmental or behavioral problem, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). His principal. Tell your child's principal about your concerns and request a referral for an educational evaluation. An educational evaluation can assess your son's strengths and weaknesses and pinpoint any learning disabilities. When you know why your son is struggling, take steps to help support him. Some kids with learning differences meet with a tutor for a few hours a week to reinforce material and learn study skills. Others may benefit from seeing a psychologist for behavioral concerns, or take medicines if attention problems make it hard to focus and learn. If needed, your school's special education committee will develop a 504 education plan or individualized education program (IEP). These identify a student's needs and outline goals and services to help the student learn. These plans may include extra help or resource room support, or recommend the use of special equipment, such as books on tape or laptop computers for students who have dyslexia. With the right support, your child can adjust to any differences he may have and succeed in school. Back to Articles Related Articles Helping With Homework Tips and advice on helping kids and teens with classwork and problems at school. Read More Studying for Tests You have a history test tomorrow, a math test the next day, and weekly French pop quizzes. Don't panic - our article provides tips on how to study. Read More Organizing Schoolwork & Assignments It's not just for school: Mastering the skills of getting organized, staying focused, and seeing work through to the end will help in just about everything you do. Read More ADHD ADHD is a common medical condition that can affect kids at school, at home, and in friendships. This article is for parents who want to learn more about ADHD and how to help kids get the best diagnosis and care. Read More ADHD ADHD is a medical condition that affects how well someone can sit still, focus, and pay attention. This article for teens has the basics on ADHD. Read More Getting Involved at Your Child's School Whether their kids are just starting kindergarten or entering the final year of high school, there are many good reasons for parents to volunteer at school. Read More Dyslexia Dyslexia is a problem that makes it difficult for a kid to read. With some help and a lot of hard work, a kid who has dyslexia can learn to read and spell. Read More Understanding Dyslexia Dyslexia is a learning disability that makes it hard to learn to read and understand written language. Even kids with average or above-average intelligence can have dyslexia. Read More How Can I Avoid Struggles With My Child About Going to School? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) Some kids may be eligible for individualized education programs in public schools, free of charge. Understanding how to access these services can help you be an effective advocate for your child. Read More 504 Education Plans If your child has special needs in the classroom, he or she may be eligible for a government-supported learning plan. Read More Homework Help Writing a report? Studying for a test? Having problems at school? Get tips and advice. Read More Test Anxiety Some people get nervous and worried when they take tests, even if they studied. If that's you, read this article to find out how to stay cool at school when it's time to take a test. Read More Homework Help Writing a report? Studying for a test? Having problems at school? Get tips and advice. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.