TEN  HELPFUL  HOMEWORK  HINTS  TO  USE  WITH  YOUR  CHILD

1. Convey to your child your expectations about homework.

                    Your consistent message should be: “Homework is important to your success in school, and I expect

          homework to be done appropriately." It is critical that your child understands that you place as much

          importance on homework being done each night as you do on your child going to school each day.

2. Set aside a special time each night just for homework.

          Most of your child's sports activities, music lessons, and doctor visits are scheduled. Add homework

          to the schedule. Decide with your child on an appropriate time for doing homework each night.

3. Set up a proper study area.

          Experts agree that a quiet study environment is a must. Make sure your child has a desk or table

          in a quiet place, and insist that all homework is done there.

4. Create a “homework survival kit.”

          Minimize lost time when your child is looking for items necessary for completing assignments.

          Put together a box that holds critical supplies, such as paper, sharpened pencils, crayons, erasers,

          markers, ruler, folders, glue, colored pencils, and index cards.

5. Decide on a “homework drop spot.” 

          Avoid morning hunts for missing homework assignments by choosing a place where your child puts

          all completed assignments the night before and picks them up in the morning.

6. Show interest in your child's assignments.

              When your child shows you completed assignments, take time to look at them, ask questions, and show

          support by offering specific comments: "This is an excellent map you have drawn; it shows every detail."

7. Offer praise as motivation.

          Check assignments and offer well-deserved praise for the efforts your child makes. Your praise will

          motivate your child to keep up the good work. When your child shows you completed assignments,

          take time to look at them, ask questions, and show support by offering specific comments: "This is

          an excellent map you have drawn; it shows every detail."

8. Contact the teacher about homework concerns.

          Very often, the teacher can suggest a solution to a problem that might be bothering you or your child.

          By working together, you and the teacher can enhance the opportunity for your child to succeed in school. 

9. Use a “homework contract” if your child still has problems doing homework.

          This contract is a written and signed agreement between you and your child that states:

          (1) the specific homework rule that must be followed, (2) the specific reward your child will receive

          for following the homework rule, and (3) the consequences that will occur if your child doesn't do

          homework appropriately.

10. Stay involved and informed. 

          Check your child’s list of assignments each night to make sure all homework is getting done, to stay

          involved with what’s going on in class, to answer any questions your child may have, and to be alerted

          to any long-range assignments and tests.