How Parents Can Help Students with Homework and Study Habits Charting Our Journey Parent Workshop By: Dr. Lateasha White, Parent Involvement Liaison Adapted from presentation by: Lakeita Servance, Parent Engagement Specialist GaDOE Office of School Improvement

Objectives: IDENTIFY common homework challenges IDENTIFY learning style via multiple intelligence test MAP out study habits and learn tips for success IDENTIFY mapping strategies for organization

Identify Common Homework Challenges

Child forgets homework on purpose Does not understand importance of homework or it may be too difficult Child studies at home, but fails the test Casual studying may not be sufficient, as test may require mastery of skills learned in class Parents spend countless, tiring hours helping child cram for the test the night before, but child still fails the test Set up a study schedule, with short 15-20min sessions throughout the week in preparation for the test Child’s homework is messy and disorganized Emphasize the importance of writing notes neatly and orderly. Make child rewrite homework that is messy. Required reading material is above the child’s level, but they are still responsible for knowing the material/concepts Read textbooks with your child to help them understand key concepts in the chapter. Common Challenges

Visual (spatial): You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding. Aural (auditory-musical): You prefer using sound and music. Verbal (linguistic): You prefer using words, both in speech and writing. Physical (kinesthetic): You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch. Logical (mathematical): You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems. Social (interpersonal): You prefer to learn in groups or with other people. Solitary (intrapersonal): You prefer to work alone and use self-study. Learning Styles

3 Main Cognitive Learning Styles Visual Learn by seeing Able to memorize and recall various information Tends to remember things that are written down Auditory Learns by hearing & speaking Often has talents in music and may concentrate better with soft music playing in the background Kinesthetic Learn by doing - Uses a hands-on approach to learn new material Would rather demonstrate how to do something rather than verbally explain it Usually prefers group work more than others

Prefers fill in the blank information Using color coded words makes retention easier Flashcards when learning vocabulary Flipcharts, graphs, pictures, or props are preferred Use a highlighter to separate key points Underline or circle key words Encourage note taking and writing games Make outlines of everything Usually good in Math and Science **Best test type: Diagramming, reading maps, essays, and demonstrating a process **Worst test type: Listen and respond test Example of a Visual Learner

Record lectures to study and play information back Repeats facts out loud and in own words Discuss material in study groups Listen to music to help learn Prefers reading textbooks to themselves out loud Usually good in grammar and foreign language **Best test type: Oral exams or writing a response to a lecture they heard **Worst test type: Reading passages and writing answers about them in a timed test Example of a Auditory Learning Style

Example of a Kinesthetic Learning Style Studies best in short blocks Learns well in lab classes Prefers role playing - “teach” the information they must learn using chalkboard Enjoys studying with others Use memory games and flash cards to retain information Uses maps, globes, puzzles to study history & geography Need help to develop system to stay organized **Best test type: Short definitions, fill-ins and multiple choice **Worst test type: Long test and essays

Homework & Study Habits

Homework Tips for Parents Help child understand purpose of homework: Review and practice what was taught Prepare for next day’s class Learn to use resources – library, websites, reference books, etc. Explore subjects more fully than class time permits. Integrate different skills learned into a single task (project/book report). Teach students to work independently & encourage self-discipline and responsibility. Homework amounts: Depends on age & skill of child. Recommendation: 10 min. per grade level: (5 th – 8 th ) minutes Homework Survival Kit in study spot: pencils, pens, writing paper, colored pencils, markers, ruler, pencil sharpener, erasers, stapler, scissors, paper clips, index cards, folders, dictionary, and other necessary items. Schedule Homework Time: same time each night - be sure all other activities stop at this time

Study Environment Place: Choose a place where your child is able to write neatly and stay alert. Study in the same place every day. Light: Use good overhead lighting that is not too dim but not so bright that they must squint. Sound: Find a quiet place where they won’t be interrupted by others, the radio or TV, or other noises. Temperature: Find a comfortable spot where they are not too hot or too cold.

How Parents Can Help Help child manage time to complete assignments – discuss steps needed for longer assignments – help them get started on big assignments Give practice tests Help avoid last minute cramming – review nightly with your child. Talk with your child about how to take a test Read instructions carefully Keep track of time Do easy ones first Don’t spend too much time on one question Talk about assignments Do they understand what to do? Do they need help in understanding the assignment? Do they have everything needed for assignment? Does the answer make sense? Watch for frustration. Give constructive criticism. Praise and encourage!! Reference: Popson, D. (2008). Strategies for Helping Your Child with Organization, Study Skills, and Homework.

Middle School Study Habits Study groups are often a good strategy. Your child may benefit from studying with one or two classmates. Encourage your child to divide the homework assignment into "What I can do myself" and "What I need help with.“ Enforce that neatness is important. Children often rush through assignments quickly so they can finish sooner and move on to the next thing on their agenda.

Middle School Stars Establish rules about the use of their cell phone during study time. This can be a major distraction; therefore, it would be wise to prohibit the use of it during homework time. Remind your child that it’s ok to say no if they are being asked to engage in extracurricular activities and forms of entertainment with their friends that may interfere with study time. Keep things in perspective and caution your child against setting goals that are too difficult to meet.

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Homework Resources : Homework Center Fact Monster Tips for Helping Kids and Teens with Homework udytips.shtml

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