Volume 7 Issue 2 Page 2 of 2
Fall 2007
(cont. from page 1)
Helping with Homework
Children need to know that their parents and adults close to them think homework is important. There is a lot that you can do to show that you value education and homework.
Set a Regular Time.
Finding a regular time for homework helps children
finish assignments. Of course, a good schedule depends in part on your
child's age, as well as individual needs. For instance, one youngster
may work best in the afternoon after an hour of play, and another may
be more efficient after dinner (although late at night, when children
are tired, is seldom a good time).
You'll need to work with your elementary school child
to develop a schedule. An older student can probably make up a schedule independently,
although you'll want to make sure it's a good one.
It may help to write out the schedule and put it in
a place where you'll see it often, such as the refrigerator door.
Pick a Place.
A study area should have lots of light, supplies
close by, and be fairly quiet.
A study area doesn't have to be fancy. A desk in the
bedroom is nice, but for many youngsters the kitchen
table or a corner of the living room works just fine.
Your child may enjoy decorating a special study corner.
A plant, a brightly colored container to hold pencils, and some favorite artwork
taped to the walls can make study time more pleasant.
Remove Distractions.
Turn off the television, iPods, cell phones and instant messaging and discourage social connections during homework time (a call to a classmate about an assignment may, however, be helpful). Some youngsters work well with quiet background music, but loud noise from the stereo or radio is not OK. One
Please Help
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Virginia junior high school history teacher laments, "I've actually had a kid turn in an assignment that had written in the middle, 'And George Washington said, "Ohhhhh, I love you."' The kid was so plugged into the music that he wasn't concentrating."
Provide Supplies and Identify Resources.
For starters, collect pencils, pens, erasers, writing paper, an assignment book, and a dictionary. Other things that might be helpful include glue, a stapler, paper clips, maps, a calculator, a pencil sharpener, tape, scissors, a ruler, index cards, a thesaurus, and an almanac. Keep these items together in one place if possible.
Set a Good Example.
Children are more likely to study if they see you reading, writing, and doing things that require thought and effort on your part. Talk with your child about what you're reading and writing even if it's something as simple as making the grocery list. Encourage activities that support learning--for example, educational games, library visits, walks in the neighborhood, trips to the zoo or museums, and chores that teach a sense of responsibility.