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Some Homework Tips
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Keep in touch with
the teacher or teachers to be fully aware of the
quantity and the quality of the homework turned
in.
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Set a schedule,
including both a beginning and an ending time.
Most kids need some time to unwind after school
before they tackle their homework. Doing it too
close to bedtime may make it difficult due to
fatigue. Fridays are usually the best day for
homework that must be completed over the weekend.
Assignments are still fresh in mind and last
minute panic rushes are avoided.
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Encourage your child
to divide the homework assignment into "What I can
do myself" and "What I need help with." You should
help only with that part of the homework your
child cannot do independently, such as using
flashcards, practicing spelling tests, and
clarifying assignments. This builds responsibility
and independence in your child.
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Use "Grandma's
Rule." Remember that Grandma is reputed to have
said that there is no dessert until you are
finished with your spinach. Hold off on watching
TV and other fun activities until homework is
completed.
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Provide a home study
center for your child with adequate light and few
distractions. If your child concentrates better
with "white noise" (music), provide that help.
Also, a dictionary, paper, pens, etc., should be
readily available.
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Use direct praise
for doing the homework and even more for
accomplishment. "You've spelled 18 out of 20 words
correctly--that's the best you've done this
semester!"
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Be available when
your child is doing homework, so that you can
answer a question if there is confusion. If
possible, it is better for you to be in another
room, so you are easily accessible and yet not a
distraction.
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Look over the
homework when it is completed. Do not correct it
unless you have checked with the teacher. Seeing
the pattern of errors is often helpful to a
teacher.
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Study groups are
often a good strategy. Your child may benefit from
studying with one or two classmates. However, make
sure they are using the time to study.
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Allow bathroom,
drink, and/or snack breaks, but insist on
completion of tasks.
All
contents © and ™ 1997, 1998, 1999
Schwab Foundation for Learning
Besides these
ten homework tips here are some points which can be
beneficial to students as well as to the parents and
to the teachers.
Many student try to avoid
it. But, homework can improve grades and make
children better. It also helps children learn to
be responsible and gives them a sense of control
and accomplishment.
Teachers give homework for
three reasons: (1) to help students understand and
review the work that has been covered in class,
(2) to see whether students understand the lesson
and (3) to help students learn how to find and use
more information on a subject.
Homework is also the link
between school and home that shows what children
are studying.
Most experts agree that
younger children (grades K-2) should not have much
homework. Twenty minutes a day is more than
enough. Older children (grades 3-6) can handle
30-60 minutes a day.
Make homework a daily
activity and help your child develop good homework
habits.
Research shows that
children and teens who spend four or more hours
each day watching television don't work as hard in
school and don't read as well as other children.
Some students can
work with a radio or stereo on, while others must
work in silence. Television can be a big
problem. Many teachers ask that the television be
turned off while children are doing homework.
One of the most
important things you can do to help your child is
to show that you think homework is important.
Many children today do their homework while their
parents are at work. When you are at home, ask to
see your child's homework and discuss it with him
or her. Ask questions and be supportive.
Younger students often
need extra homework help. First, make sure the
child understands the directions. Do a few
problems together, then watch your child do a
few. When your child is finished, check the work.
Praise right answers, and show how to correct
mistakes. Avoid doing your child's homework for
him or her. Teachers need to see where your child
is having trouble.
Today's students may have
subjects that you never had or that you didn't
like when you were in school. You can still help
your child by praising his or her progress,
getting help from the public library or homework
hotline, and talking with the teacher.
Homework
hints
Ask your children if they
understand their homework. If they do not, work a
few examples together.
Ask your children to show
you their homework after the teacher returns it,
to learn where they're having trouble and where
they're doing well. See if your children did the
work correctly.
Stay in touch with your
child's teachers. Ask about their classes and what
they are studying. Remember, you and their
teachers want the same thing: to help your child
learn.
Don't be afraid to get in
touch with the teacher if you and your child don't
understand an assignment or if your child is
having a great deal of trouble. Almost all parents
run into these problems, and teachers are glad to
help.
Assume that your child has
studying to do every night.
Don't do your children's
work for them. Help them learn how to do it
themselves.
Show your children that
you think homework is important. If you are at
work during homework time, ask to see their work
when you get home.
Praise your children for
doing well. Make praise a habit.
Ask your school about tips
or guides for helping your children develop good
study habits.
Source:
The National PTA
330 North Wabash Avenue, Suite 2100
Chicago, Illinois 60611-3690
National Education
Association
1201 16th St. NW
Washington, DC 20036
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