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:
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Make sure your child is writing their homework assignments in their agenda.
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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.
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Have school supplies available at the designed space, such as pens, pencils, markers, calculator, and paper.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Internet Public Library Kidspace http://ipl.org/p/kidspace/
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Fact Monster http://www.factmonster.com/
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Kid Info http://kidinfo.com/
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Math.com http://math.com/parents/helpyourkids.html
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National Geographic Kids http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/
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B.J. Pinchbeck's Homework Helper http://bjpinchbeck.com/