Friday, February 04, 2000
A guide to helping your child get it done
Children need to know that their parents and adults close to them think homework is important. Here's what you can do to show you value education and homework:
• Set a regular time. The best schedule is one that works for your child and your family. For instance, one child may work best in the afternoon after an hour of play, and another may be more efficient after dinner. Late at night, when children are tired, is seldom a good time.
• Pick a place. A study area should have lots of light, supplies close by, and be fairly quiet. A study area doesn't have to be fancy. A desk in the bedroom is nice, but for many youngsters the kitchen table or a corner of the living room works just fine.
• Remove distractions. Turn off the television and discourage social telephone calls during homework time. (A call to a classmate about an assignment may, however, be helpful.) Some youngsters work well with quiet background music, but loud noise from the stereo or radio is not OK.
• Provide supplies and identify resources. For starters, collect pencils, pens, erasers, writing paper, an assignment book, and a dictionary. Other things that might be helpful: glue, stapler, paper clips, maps, calcu lator, pencil sharpener, tape, scissors, ruler, index cards, thesaurus and almanac. Keep these items together in one place if possible.
• Set a good example. Children are more likely to study if they see you reading, writing and doing things that require thought and effort. Talk with your child about what you're reading and writing even if it's something as simple as making the grocery list. Tell them about what you do at work. Encourage activities that support learning: educational games, library visits, neighborhood walks, trips to the zoo or museums, and chores that teach a sense of responsibility.
• Show an interest. Make time to take your child to the library to check out materials needed for homework (and for fun, too), and read with your child as often as you can. Talk about school and learning activities in family conversations. Ask your child what was discussed in class that day. If he doesn't have much to say, try another approach. For example, ask your child to read aloud a story he wrote or discuss the results of a science experiment. Attend school activities, such as parent-teacher meetings, shows and sports events. If you can, volunteer in the classroom or at special events.
— U.S. Department of Education
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