Organizational Tips
Homework as easy as 1-2-3!
In my last website display, I wrote about ways to help your child get better organized to do homework. To recap, I suggested having three large boxes in an area near the homework desk or table. In the first box, ask your child to empty all the contents of their backpack. These items are then sorted for homework materials (to be put on the desk/table or nearby surface), notices to you, and miscellaneous items that are put away or disposed of. The second box contains all the materials that he/she may need to complete their work, including pencils, rulers, calculators, etc. If they have not already eaten after school, it can also hold snacks that your child may select to eat either before starting their work or as an incentive for completing all or parts of their assignments. The third box is for completed homework and other items that need to go into the backpack. This third box can also contain items such as sneakers for gym, related service folders, and library books that need to be returned. Also consider putting into this box a calendar on which you can help your child track and plan for long-term assignments. This three box method is a sure-fire way to help your child get and stay organized for all home assignments.
Getting Ready-Set-Go!
Next, take a objective look at the space you are providing your child to do their homework. It should be well-lit, uncluttered and free of distractions. An ideal space is out of earshot of the television or radio, and not near a high-traffic area for other family members. Your child's desk should be a comfortable height, allowing them to work at it with their elbows bent at approximately a ninety-degree angle. The chair should be of an appropriate height, allowing them to place their feet flat on the floor and their arms comfortably on the table at the angle suggested above without 'shoulder hiking'.
The best help you can offer your child in doing their homework is encouragement to follow the assignment directions correctly and to problem-solve the answers themselves. If your child has not learned or mastered sufficiently a concept needed, explain it as succinctly as possible or, if you are not familiar with it yourself, suggest they discuss it with their teacher and write a note to accompany their uncompleted homework assignment. It does not help your child to develop self-confidence and good work habits if you provide too much help or do the work for them, although that is often a tempting alternative.
Lastly, if time permits, encourage your child to review and edit their homework. Include in homework time test preparation, time allotments for long-term projects, and if possible, a preview of the text to be studied in class the next day. If homework is a stressful, unhappy or avoided task, speak to your child's teacher about this and work together with them and the other school professionals, to find solutions.
Homework as easy as 1-2-3!
In my last website display, I wrote about ways to help your child get better organized to do homework. To recap, I suggested having three large boxes in an area near the homework desk or table. In the first box, ask your child to empty all the contents of their backpack. These items are then sorted for homework materials (to be put on the desk/table or nearby surface), notices to you, and miscellaneous items that are put away or disposed of. The second box contains all the materials that he/she may need to complete their work, including pencils, rulers, calculators, etc. If they have not already eaten after school, it can also hold snacks that your child may select to eat either before starting their work or as an incentive for completing all or parts of their assignments. The third box is for completed homework and other items that need to go into the backpack. This third box can also contain items such as sneakers for gym, related service folders, and library books that need to be returned. Also consider putting into this box a calendar on which you can help your child track and plan for long-term assignments. This three box method is a sure-fire way to help your child get and stay organized for all home assignments.
Getting Ready-Set-Go!
Next, take a objective look at the space you are providing your child to do their homework. It should be well-lit, uncluttered and free of distractions. An ideal space is out of earshot of the television or radio, and not near a high-traffic area for other family members. Your child's desk should be a comfortable height, allowing them to work at it with their elbows bent at approximately a ninety-degree angle. The chair should be of an appropriate height, allowing them to place their feet flat on the floor and their arms comfortably on the table at the angle suggested above without 'shoulder hiking'.
The best help you can offer your child in doing their homework is encouragement to follow the assignment directions correctly and to problem-solve the answers themselves. If your child has not learned or mastered sufficiently a concept needed, explain it as succinctly as possible or, if you are not familiar with it yourself, suggest they discuss it with their teacher and write a note to accompany their uncompleted homework assignment. It does not help your child to develop self-confidence and good work habits if you provide too much help or do the work for them, although that is often a tempting alternative.
Lastly, if time permits, encourage your child to review and edit their homework. Include in homework time test preparation, time allotments for long-term projects, and if possible, a preview of the text to be studied in class the next day. If homework is a stressful, unhappy or avoided task, speak to your child's teacher about this and work together with them and the other school professionals, to find solutions.