TIPS ON HELPING YOUR CHILDREN WITH THEIR HOMEWORK
Research evidence suggests that supervising your child’s homework is the most important thing a parent can do to ensure a child’s school success. How can you help? You need to supply the basics: a desk in a quiet place with adequate lighting and at least a dictionary.
Here is some advice offered that may be suitable for your child’s educational needs:
1. How can I pinpoint the troubles my child is having with homework and begin to resolve them?
Talk when you are both relaxed. Try to figure out the cause of the problem. Both you and your child should decide on the path of action. You can also contact the teacher for periodic feedback.
2. What if my child resents my “interference”?
Let your child know that you are available and leave it to him/her to take your advice or not. Your child, not you, is the one responsible for getting the work done.
3. What is the best time to do homework?
Usually the best time is as soon after school as possible. If other activities prevent this, then a regular time should be set each day.
4. How much time should my child spend on homework?
The amount of time homework should take depends on the type of assignment. If you’re child can’t find enough time for homework, he or she may be over-scheduled. Map out a schedule together. If everything won’t fit, help your child decide which activities to cut out.
5. How can I make sure my child does all of his/her homework?
Require that your child jots down ALL of his/her assignments in their journal. Review their journal daily. Television and phone calls should wait until homework is finished. If your child claims to not have homework, they should use that scheduled time for review or extra reading.
6. How can I motivate a “lazy” kid?
Don’t assume your child is lazy. Such behavior may be a mask for failure. Be positive about what your child has already accomplished. Work with them to get them started. Check at intervals to make sure that the work is being done.
7. How can I help a child who has trouble concentrating?
Eliminate distractions. Suggest that the child set small, specific, realistic goals. For example, after I read ten pages, I’ll take a break.
8. How can I help coordinate a disorganized child?
Get colored notebooks or folders for each subject area. Help your child devise a filing system. Set an example by organizing your own workspace. Sometimes thinking aloud in problem-solving helps the problem become clearer.
9. What resources should I have at home and what community resources are available?
In addition to a dictionary, your child should have an atlas and a thesaurus. All are available in paperback. Become familiar with your local public library as well as the school library.
10. Is there anything special that the parent of a “latchkey” child can do?
Your child should do his/her homework in the afternoon and show it to you in the evening. You should also try to set up a time during your afternoon break to call home to check on your child.
All information taken from: Ruth Feldman How To Earn An A+ In Helping With Homework
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