Strategies for Helping Your Child Before, During and After Homework Time Parent Academic Support Session Presented by Karynn Katz September 30, 2014 Some information taken from “Study Skills” by Kelly Wingate and “Homework Without Tears” by Lee Canter

What are we doing today? Getting to know each other Understanding the purpose of homework Learning how to help your child before, during and after homework time Learning how to use an Editing Checklist Completing an Evaluation

Icebreaker Activity

Who is at this workshop? Please introduce yourself by saying: - your name - your child’s name - your child’s grade level

What do we have in common? Find a partner. You and your partner have 30 seconds to find 5 things you have in common. Share with the group one thing you have in common. Now your and your partner need to join another pair. The four of you have 30 seconds to find 5 things in common. Share with the group one thing you all have in common.

What’s the purpose of homework?

Teach students to work independently. Encourage self-discipline and responsibility. Create understanding between families and teacher. Provide opportunities for increased communication.

What else is the purpose of homework? Review and practice what was taught. Prepare for the next day’s lesson. Learn to use resources – library, websites, reference books, etc. Explore subjects more fully than class time permits. Apply skills learned to new situations.

How can I help my child before homework time?

How can I help my child stay organized? Get everything ready for school (backpack, clothes, etc.) before going to bed at night. Have a special place for your child to put their backpack, shoes and jacket every day so they can find it easily every morning. Help your child clean their backpack regularly. Don’t leave anything in their backpack that they don’t need for school (trash, toys, old papers).

What if my child has a homework packet? Take the staple out of the packet. Have file folders for each day of the week. Have your child decide which day they are going to do each page and have them put the paper in the corresponding folder. Staple the packet back together before turning it in.

What is a Homework Spot? Have a special place where your child does their homework every night. –kitchen table –on their bed –on the floor with a clipboard Calm, quiet place away from distractions –siblings- adults talking –television- windows –cell phone- music*

What does my child need at their Homework Spot? Have all the materials your child will need –pencils- pencil sharpener –dictionary- calculator –eraser- highlighter –paper- ruler –textbooks- clipboard - Editing Checklist*

What is an Editing Checklist? All grade levels can use this checklist to check their work.

What homework time works best for my family? Have a consistent schedule for when homework gets completed. –Play/watch TV for thirty minutes, then start homework –Have a snack, then start homework –Do homework before doing anything else –Eat dinner and then do homework

Does having my child do their homework in the morning work well? Having your child do homework in the morning before school does not work well because –You do not know how long it will take your child to complete their homework, so they might run out of time for them to finish it or for you to check it. –Your child will be rushed and not do their best work. –Your child is more likely to forget it at home.

How can I help my child during homework time?

How can I help during homework time? Read the directions to your child or have your child read the directions to you (depending on their ability). Make sure they understand the directions. Have them do two problems and then check their work. Motivate your child with praise. Each night praise your child about some specific accomplishment – focus on a goal they have set.

How much help should I give my child? Encourage your child to do homework independently. This will teach them develop independence skills such as how to –follow directions- manage time - begin and complete a task- set goals Monitor that homework is being done – only give help if child has shown a real effort to do the work first.

What should I do if my child does not understand their homework? Never give a child more than a few answers on any assignment – if they still don’t understand, write the teacher a note letting them know your child is having difficulty. Don’t do homework for them. Talk with the teacher if your child struggles with homework – arrange for tutoring if needed. Step back if you feel yourself losing your temper or patience. Don’t let your frustration make your child feel stupid for not understanding.

Does every child learn the same way?

What are the ways children learn? Visual – learn by seeing Auditory – learn by hearing Kinesthetic – learn by doing Everyone learns differently – have your child study in ways that are most helpful to them! * See hand-outs

What is specific to my child’s grade level? Please take a hand-out for your child’s grade level

How can I help my child after homework time?

How can I help after homework time? When they are all the way finished with one assignment, check their work. –Complete Sentence Checklist –all problems completed –best handwriting Make sure they put their homework in their folder and in their backpack. Praise your child!

What should I talk with my child’s teacher about? Your child has missed school and has assignments to make-up Instructions are unclear Can’t provide needed supplies/materials Assignments are too hard Assignments are too easy

Overall, what is my role? Show that you think education and homework are important. Monitor assignments. Provide guidance. Talk with teachers to resolve problems.

Resources Nat’l PTA - US Dept. of Ed. – and Nat’l Info. Center for Children & Youth with Disabilities – Nat’l Institute of Child Health and Human Development Clearinghouse – ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education – No Child Left Behind – Office of Special Ed. And Rehabilitation Services – Math/Reading sites –

Questions?Questions?

How did I do?