1. LEAP Back-to-School!
Read Alouds Homework Help Back-to-School Extravaganza

2. Welcome Introductions Read Alouds Break Homework Help
Back-to-School Extravaganza
Wrap Up

3. Stranded on a deserted island…
What 3 people would you take with you?
They can be living or dead, real or fictitious.

4. Read Alouds Three steps to a better read aloud: Choose a book
Read it to yourself
Read it aloud
Read alouds should be FUN!
Suggestions from LEAP training, library displays, ask a librarian
Get comfortable – is it interesting? Are there parts that are funny/scary/exciting? Can you say all the words?
To yourself, to someone you trust, to a pet… Don’t be afraid to use expression or act out voices – but be consistent w/voices.

5. Read Aloud

6. Read Aloud Break out Session
Work in groups of 2-3
Select a book:
take turns reading it to yourself
read it to a partner or the group
talk about:
how it went
ways to get children more interested in the story
what could you do differently?
Start around 10:15

7. Take a break!
Start around 10:45

8. Literacy Activities Homework
Can’t we all just get along?
Hands-on learning supports education
Activities engage different learning styles
Learning in a more social setting provides meaningful opportunities
Literacy activities can spark a child’s curiosity
Homework is not punishment, literacy activities are not a reward

9. Reasons Homework is Important
Improves thinking and memory
Helps establish study skills
Encourages development of time management skills
Promotes independent work habits
Promotes accountability
Allows for practice/review of what was covered in class
Introduces student to various resources
Helps parents learn more about what children are learning
Extends the school-day learning
Allows for skill building
Ask for examples:
Review/practice what students have already learned
Get ready for next class
Learn to use resources – libraries, encyclopedia, computers
Explore subjects more fully than class time permits
DON’T DO THE ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE KID (if parents are doing kids homework, that’s on them)
Doing homework for the child can actually limit their self-confidence.

10. Homework Help Strategies at the Library
Ask the student:
Do you understand what you are supposed to do?
What do you need to finish the assignment?
Do you need help in understanding how to do your work?
Have you ever done any problems like the ones you are supposed to do now?
Do you have everything you need to do the assignment?
Does the answer make sense to you?
Have the child paraphrase the assignment. Are there words or concepts the child doesn’t understand?
Ask the child to consider all the steps that are needed to complete the assignment – do they have everything that is needed?
As the child works, check in to make sure they understand the homework – are they struggling with one or more aspects? Is it a subject that you are familiar with enough to provide guidance?
Relate this New Homework to something the child may have already done. “ is very similar to the subtraction homework we did last year – do you remember what 9-2 is?”
Does the assignment require coloring a graph or using a metric ruler?
Is this the answer you expected? Can you explain what you mean by this sentence/paragraph? Still having problems? Suggest the child take a 5 minute break – walk away, shake it off, get some water…

11. Homework at Home Know the teachers Understand what the teachers expect
Create a homework zone at home
Set up a homework schedule
Use meaningful praise
Pinpoint what the issues are
Ask open-ended questions

12. Common Issues for Homework Helpers
What if the kids are lethargic or actively uninterested?
What if they don’t have notes from class to help explain key concepts?
What if their reading comprehension isn’t at the level they need it to be?
What if the child is behind? How do we help them get to the appropriate skill level without frustrating them?

13. Homework Help Online Free! Live Tutoring! Study Tools! Writing Lab!
Career & College Exploration
So much more!

14. Mathematics The School District of Philadelphia uses Everyday Math.
Focus is on exploration
More than one way to solve a problem
Collaboration is encouraged
Incorporates real-world applications
For more information on Everyday Math, visit

15. Everyday Math Videos Column Addition Trade First Subtraction
Lattice Multiplication
Partial Quotients Division

16. Online Science Resources
Discovery Education
Amazing Space
Science Homework Help Websites List
Science tools

17. Writing & Vocabulary Help
Vocabulary Lists
Spelling
Homework Help Online

18. Good Study Habits
Teachers give tips, but good study habits aren’t formed overnight.
We can help reinforce good study habits.
Share examples of good study habits.

19. Homework Help Best Practices
Work in small groups and consider:
What has been the biggest homework struggle you’ve encountered?
What homework help is your go-to tactic?
What worked for you as a student?
How do you cultivate a productive homework environment?

20. Questions? Comments?