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Help Your Child Take Control of Homework
Although very few students love homework, it does serve a purpose. Homework helps your child:
- Reinforce what was learned during the day.
- Build study habits that are essential in college.
- Prepare for classes.
- Get a sense of progress.
Here are some tips to help your child deal with homework more efficiently and effectively.
Setting the Mood
Help your child create a good study area with all the necessities (for example, a calculator). If there is no quiet place available at home, try the school or local library.
Knowing Where to Begin
Your child should make a list of everything that has to be done, and note all deadlines. Advise your child to do the more difficult assignments first.
Studying at the Same Time Every Day
Even if your child doesn't have homework every night, it’s a good idea to use the time to review notes. If sitting down to work is part of the normal routine, your child will approach it with less dread — and will also become a pro at using time productively.
Keeping Things in Perspective
Your child should know how much weight each assignment or test carries, and use homework time accordingly.
Getting More Involved
Your child can stay focused by taking notes, underlining sections, discussing topics with others or relating the homework to a subject being studied in another class.
Organizing the Information
People process information in different ways. Some people like to draw pictures or charts to digest information, others prefer to read out loud or make detailed outlines. Students should try to find the methods that work best for them. Your child can ask teachers for recommendations if needed.
Taking Advantage of Any Free Time
Your child should use study periods or a long bus ride to review notes, prepare for an upcoming class or start homework.
Studying with a Friend
Your child can get together with friends and classmates to quiz each other, compare notes and predict test questions. Joining a study group may be a good idea.
Communicating
Encourage your child to come to you, as well as to teachers and counselors, with any concerns about the amount or the type of homework that teachers assign. Students sometimes need help understanding how much time to allot for homework and how to manage tasks.
Celebrating Achievements
Help your child keep track of milestones and successes, and celebrate them.
