Advantages of Good Grades

What are some of the specific advantages of encouraging my children to get good grades in elementary school? -- Wondering
Answer: You really want your children to get good grades (A's and B's) from the day they start school, as it just gets harder and harder every year when they fail to do so. For example, if a child gets a C in math in first grade, his or her addition and subtraction skills are probably only average. There are probably some basic facts that he or she just hasn't mastered. So, in second grade the child will still be working on these skills and may learn them easily because schools build in so much review in the early grades. Or the child may still be getting C's in math and not quite have the hang of adding and subtracting, when the teacher suddenly introduces multiplication into the mix. Then as children move along to the third and fourth grades and beyond, a steady diet of C's means there are some rather large holes in what they know about math. Not getting good grades in reading is even more serious -- usually resulting in difficulty succeeding in most classes.
There are many advantages to children getting good grades in elementary school. First of all, good grades lead to special opportunities. Children with good grades are put in the top groups -- giving them the opportunity to forge ahead and learn more than those in lower groups. They are also the ones who are considered most often for gifted and talented programs. Finally, good grades give students good feelings and serve as powerful motivators for them to do their best and succeed at school.
Children do not have to be geniuses to get A's and B's in elementary school. A willingness to work hard, use good study skills and focus on doing their best will produce top grades for most children. Parents can instill in their children the habits that lead to success in school.