Homework Tips

Homework is essential because it gives students a chance to practice and ingrain the academic skills they have learned in school.  Completing homework will have a significant and positive impact on your child's grade.  If you are struggling with homework, here are some suggested techniques to help:

 

  • Make sure your child is writing their homework assignments in their agenda.

     

  • Set an assigned time and location for homework completion.  The best area in your home is a space that is free from distractions, but also provides access to monitor and be available to help and encourage.

     

  • Have school supplies available at the designed space, such as pens, pencils, markers, calculator, and paper.

     

  • If your child has a lot of homework, break it up into smaller chunks of time.  For instance, set a timer for 30 minutes to complete a certain task or subject and then again later for 30 minutes to complete the remainder.

     

  • Your child can also brainstorm ideas on when the best time to complete homework is;  whether it be right after school or after dinner.  It is suggested not to allow your child to watch TV or play video games until the homework is completed.

     

  • Create a homework reward system for completion.  Visible reminders such as a chart on the refrigerator that shows whether homework was completed everyday or not is helpful.  Rewards that do not cost a lot of money or take much time to deliver are good.  Examples might include making your child's favorite dinner, celebrating by playing a family game, baking cookies together, or taking your child to the playground or hiking.  Your child can help with reward ideas - try to think of ideas that promote family time and healthy activities.

There are times when kids will ask parents for help.  Here are six free homework-helper websites.  Just click on each link to go directly to the site.

  1. The Internet Public Library Kidspace http://ipl.org/p/kidspace/

  2. Fact Monster  http://www.factmonster.com/

  3. Kid Info  http://kidinfo.com/

  4. Math.com  http://math.com/parents/helpyourkids.html

  5. National Geographic Kids  http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/

  6. B.J. Pinchbeck's Homework Helper  http://bjpinchbeck.com/