1. Winning the Homework Battle
Parent Workshop
Presented by Nicole Rini, PC

2. Making Homework Manageable
Successful students have parent support at home
What is homework time like at your house?

3. Why is homework important?
It is the connection between school and the family.
It helps in developing study habits.
Reinforces the following skills:
Self-discipline
Time management
Organization
Responsibility

4. Getting into the homework habit
Parent goals:
Help children get into habit of doing homework/reviewing each night
Giving child opportunity to get work done by providing all materials/space/parent guidance
Student goal:
Complete assignments in a timely manner that shows effort and quality.

5. What can parents do to help?
Set up a homework area (should be consistent place and in a central location so parent can monitor)
Provide supplies needed (paper, pens, computer, etc)
Minimize distractions (phone, TV, have younger siblings play in another space)

6. The Set-Up After creating your space for your child:
Try to be consistent with time (and pattern of work)
Some children need to being homework as soon as they get home, others may have activities after school
math first, independent reading last
Move child along through assignments
Encourage independence but give assistance

7. Getting into the Homework Habit
Communicate with school:
Check your child’s folders, backpack for important information
Ask your child if there are any tests, quizzes, projects coming up
Check school website for calendar, teacher pages for homework sheets and monthly newsletters
teacher and review homework policy

8. Making the Home/School Connection
Ask your child what they learned in each class that day
Review each assignment and be sure your child understands what to do
Give your child space and time to complete assignments while remaining close by if they need help
If there is an issue with not understanding an assignment:
Help move student along by asking questions
Look at the notes, call a friend in class

9. Importance of Reading as Homework
Students need to read at least minutes a day, outside of homework time.
Let them choose age appropriate material (book, graphic novel, newspaper, magazine, etc)
With younger children, break up the time into 10 or 15 minute blocks, take turns reading to each other, let child read to sibling/someone else

10. Motivation and Attitude
Parents must pass along POSITIVE messages about the importance of education!
If your children see you involved in their learning,
they will get the message that education is important to
your FAMILY
WAYS TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE:
Attend P/T conferences, school events, PTA meetings, class trips
VOLUNTEER, VOLUNTEER, VOLUNTEER!

11. Motivation and Attitude
Chose a place to display your child’s work
Acknowledge good effort, small successes
Show interest in what they are learning in school
NEVER say negative things about school or teacher in front of your children

12. Lead by Example Let children see YOU reading
Sign up for parent workshops, classes, family nights, etc.
Establish rules and schedule for homework that works for YOUR FAMILY
Take time to KNOW YOUR CHILD as a student and enjoy your time together!

13. Parent Ideas/ Discussion
What is a good time for elementary students/middle school students to start homework?
Snack time/nap time interference
After school activities/sports team commitments
Dial-a teacher (free homework help sponsored by the UFT) is available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4-7pm