How to tackle bad behaviour in class

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'Doesn't take part in class discussion'

'You need to build up their confidence,' says Sue. 'Have a general discussion with them and praise any good points. Listen without criticising, so they'll feel braver about speaking up.'

'Needs to improve handwriting'

Explain that if the teacher can't read their work, they could lose marks. Then get them to practise during the holidays, says Sue.

'Doesn't listen'

'Work through this at home,' says Sue. 'Look your child in the eye when you talk to them and get them into the habit of listening. With younger ones, ask their teacher if they can sit nearer the front.'

'Doesn't show respect towards teachers'

Says Sue: 'See the head of year, not the teacher concerned. That way someone else can negotiate a compromise. And look at your own attitude. Are you rude about other people, and has your child picked that up?'

'Must make more effort'

Learning expert Dr Mel Levine, author of The Myth of Laziness (Simon & Schuster, £10.99), says: 'Find out why a child isn't doing well, rather than calling them lazy. It may be hard for them to remember things or their hand may hurt if they write a lot.'

'Is making satisfactory progress'

But is that good enough? 'Ask their teacher,' suggests Sue, 'but don't get too intense, it's better than unsatisfactory.'

'Hasn't done as well as last term'

'Is it the teacher or the child not understanding a subject? Find a neutral time to get your child to open up,' advises Sue. 'Ask what's wrong and act from there.'

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