10 Ways to Help Your Child with Homework
Kids often think of homework as drudge work. Some of them will try to do anything to avoid it. But homework gives kids a chance to practice the academic skills they learn at school. That's why a parent must take an active role in making sure it's done. Are there alternatives to constant nagging? Here are 10 tips to help your kids get homework done and turned in on time.
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Help your child develop the homework habit by asking about homework when he or she comes home from school. It shows you are interested in what was learned.
- Provide a study space where your child can work quietly. Find a space that has good lighting and sufficient room for materials such as papers, pencils, and erasers.
- Pick a good time for doing homework. Consider the amount of homework your child has to do and allow enough time in his or her schedule to complete it. Establish rules against phone use, watching TV, or listening to records until homework is finished.
- If possible, make available reference materials such as an atlas, dictionary, and encyclopedia. If these materials are needed but unavailable, schedule time to take your child to a public library.
- Encourage your child to consider the homework assignment carefully before beginning work. Ask your child: Why was this assignment made? What information does your teacher expect you to learn? After the assignment is completed, help your child review what he or she learned from it.
- Observe your child as he or she works. Does the work seem too difficult? If it does, it may be an indication that your child doesn't understand what was taught in school. Check with his or her teacher to find out how well your child understands the materials that were taught.
- If your child rarely has homework., check with his or her teacher to find out if it is being completed at school during free periods. If your child continuously loses homework or forgets to bring it home, purchases a back pack or tote bag for books and homework.
- Never do your child's homework assignment. It's fine to answer questions and supervise his or her work, but make sure the homework is completed by the child. Homework helps your child develop a sense of responsibility. If your child's not remembering when homework is due is a problem, buy a calendar and encourage your child to mark the days when assignments are due.
- Encourage your child to develop a positive attitude toward homework. Although a teacher may check or correct homework, that is not the main point. Stress the fact that homework is valuable because it helps the child practice skills and acquire information.
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Finally, never rush your child when he or she is doing homework. Make it a relaxing time. Let him or her know that sloppy work is unacceptable. But also praise homework that is done well ~ it's a good way to build self-esteem.
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Check out these Kid friendly sites for fun skill building activities:
Fun Brain, History Channel, Study Island, Spell City, Math Cafe, Primary Games
