2.  They have a proper study area in their home.  They have all the books and supplies needed to do their work.  They have an established daily homework time.  During study time, they have the least amount of distractions. (No TV, video games, talking on the phone, etc.)  If they do not have homework, they use their study time to review their class work, prepare for future tests and assignments, or read for pleasure.  They divide information for weekly tests into small segments and study daily.  They take responsibility for getting the assignment and understanding the task.  They are rested and prepared each day for school.  They listen to their teachers and do all class work.  They put forth a positive attitude toward school.

3.  Homework helps students…  Review and practice what was covered in class.  Get ready for the next day’s class.  Learn to use resources.  Explore subjects in more detail than classroom time permits.  Extend learning by applying skills they already have to new situations.  Develop good study habits and positive attitudes.  Learn to work independently.  Encourage self-discipline and responsibility.

4.  National organizations of parents and teachers suggest …  Children in kindergarten through second grade can benefit from 10 to 20 minutes of homework each school day.  Children in third through sixth grade can benefit from 30 to 60 minutes of homework each school day.  *Keep in mind that they are referring to the amount of time the child is actually focused and working.

5.  Environment  Provide a quiet, well-lit space, away from distractions.  Try to find a separate space for each of your children.  Provide them with all the right study materials. (Paper, pencils, books, dictionary, desk, etc.)

6.  Schedule  If possible, try to keep the same schedule every night…children like routines.  Allow for adequate study and free time each evening.  Provide time for your child to get some exercise.  Limit the amount of time your child watches TV, plays video games, and spends time on the computer.  Make sure your child is going to bed early enough…Getting a good night’s sleep is the most important assignment of all!

7.  Organization  Provide your child with a backpack.  Go through your child’s homework folder and help them clean it out each night.  Check your child’s assignment sheet or agenda daily to see what assignments need completed.  Make a homework plan with your child.

8.  Help  When possible, be available to answer questions. ▪ Do a problem or two together. Then leave and let them try some on their own. ▪ Set a timer for independent work time, then come back and check their work. ▪ Avoid simply giving an answer. Instead, ask questions that let your child see the problem in smaller, sequential steps.  Review completed and graded assignments from your child’s folder with them. ▪ If they have errors, make sure they understand why they missed them.

9.  Communication  Use your child’s assignment sheet or agenda to stay informed about homework assignments that need completed.  Share any concerns that you have about your child’s progress with the teacher. (Call, E-mail, write a note) ▪ If your child is unable to do most of their homework by themselves. ▪ Specific areas/subjects where your child may need extra practice.

10.  Attitude  Foster a “we’re in this together” vibe.  Divide and conquer.  Dangle the carrot.  Remember your goal.  Know when to quit.  Use incentives. (Sticker charts, contracts, etc.)  Your attitude matters too. ▪ Be patient. ▪ Take your time. ▪ Don’t give up. ▪ Practice, practice, practice.

11.  Kids are not able to write well until they develop good fine-motor skills.  These improve easily with practice, practice, and more practice.  Try these activities to help your child develop the balance, precision, and hand-eye coordination that are needed in handwriting.  Give your child clay or play-dough.  Encourage play with Legos, miniature cars, small blocks, action figures, and other small toys.  Do puzzles together.  Provide creative art projects involving crayons, pens, scissors, finger paints, as well as tearing paper.  Play games with your child that involve the handling of cards and other small game pieces.  Ask your child to sort collections of loose coins into stacks of pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters.  Help your child learn to manage everyday skills like tying shoes and buttoning clothes.

12.  Make sure your child understands mathematical concepts.  Help them master the basic facts.  Teach them to write their numbers neatly.  Provide help immediately when your child needs it.  Show them how to handle their math homework.  Encourage your child to do more than the assigned problems.  Explain how to solve word problems.  Help your child learn the vocabulary mathematics.  Teach them how to do math “in their head.”  Make mathematics part of your child’s daily life.

13.  Read to your child for at least 30 minutes every day.  Listen to your child retell the story in their own words.  Play word games: rhyming words, same initial sounds, etc.  Play with educational toys together: puzzles, board games, card games, etc.  Talk to your child to improve speaking vocabulary.  Use flashcards to practice identifying letters and their sounds.  Play matching games to match capital and lowercase letters.  Use magnet letters to practice building and reading words.