Homework is important. By doing homework, children learn a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. Homework helps kids understand that learning doesn't stop at the end of the school day. Taking pride in homework helps children experience the satisfaction of a job well done.
1. Design a specific, quiet area for homework. Eliminate as much distraction as possible, including no TV or mobile devices. Make sure there is adequate lighting. Keep basic supplies nearby.
2. Keep a routine. Have a regular time to do homework each and every day.
3. Encourage your child to divide the homework assignment into "What I can do myself" and "What I need help with." Only help your child with the homework that they cannot do independently. This teaches your child responsibility and independence.
4. When your child is assigned a large project that will require a few days or weeks to finish, help them to schedule their time and to break down the project into manageable pieces.
5. Teach your child that studying is more than just doing homework. Encourage your child to take notes while reading a chapter, learn to summarize what they have learned in their own words, make flashcards to learn dates, spelling words, a foreign language, or math formulas.
6. Praise your child! Encourage them during hard assignments by reminding them of past successes, perhaps in sports, music, or in previously difficult subjects. Use direct praise for doing homework and even more praise for accomplishments, like "You've spelled 18 out of 20 words correctly--that's the best you've done this semester!"
7. Look over the homework when it's done. Do not correct it unless you have checked with the teacher. Seeing the pattern of errors is often helpful to the teacher.
8. Try not to let any of your own negative experiences keep you from supporting your child's learning. Let them know how much you care about education by continuing your own learning both informally and formally.
9. Get to know your child's teacher early in the year. Find out about homework policies and expectations. Stay in touch with your child's teacher throughout the year. Remember that you and your child's teacher both want the same thing- to help your child to learn and excel.
1. Design a specific, quiet area for homework. Eliminate as much distraction as possible, including no TV or mobile devices. Make sure there is adequate lighting. Keep basic supplies nearby.
2. Keep a routine. Have a regular time to do homework each and every day.
3. Encourage your child to divide the homework assignment into "What I can do myself" and "What I need help with." Only help your child with the homework that they cannot do independently. This teaches your child responsibility and independence.
4. When your child is assigned a large project that will require a few days or weeks to finish, help them to schedule their time and to break down the project into manageable pieces.
5. Teach your child that studying is more than just doing homework. Encourage your child to take notes while reading a chapter, learn to summarize what they have learned in their own words, make flashcards to learn dates, spelling words, a foreign language, or math formulas.
6. Praise your child! Encourage them during hard assignments by reminding them of past successes, perhaps in sports, music, or in previously difficult subjects. Use direct praise for doing homework and even more praise for accomplishments, like "You've spelled 18 out of 20 words correctly--that's the best you've done this semester!"
7. Look over the homework when it's done. Do not correct it unless you have checked with the teacher. Seeing the pattern of errors is often helpful to the teacher.
8. Try not to let any of your own negative experiences keep you from supporting your child's learning. Let them know how much you care about education by continuing your own learning both informally and formally.
9. Get to know your child's teacher early in the year. Find out about homework policies and expectations. Stay in touch with your child's teacher throughout the year. Remember that you and your child's teacher both want the same thing- to help your child to learn and excel.