homework

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Homework?!

Like an actor rehearsing her lines or a batter working on his swing, each learner will have some homework to practice skills learned here at school.  Homework can bring challenges (especially in math), but here are some solutions to common concerns your child might face:homework

Getting Started:  When you finally get everyone home and the evening rush begins for supper, homework, chores, practice sessions, and more, establish the ground rules for completing homework.  You may need to try various methods like setting a timer for 20 minutes of “down time” before starting on homework.  Some children like to get home and just get it done in order to move on to other activities.  Try different strategies and keep notes with your child on works most effectively.  Working together you’ll know what’s best in your family situation.

Staying Motivated:  Does your child feel restless when he’s doing homework?  Suggest movement first and short breaks to keep the brain stimulated.  For example, he might finish his vocabulary assignment at the kitchen table (or other regular homework spot), and then read his science notes on the porch.  A planned break for a snack or short walk, can also give him a second wind.  “Chunking” study time into smaller blocks makes everything more manageable for everyone.  Encourage your child to work on more difficult tasks at the beginning of homework time.

Solving Problems:  Help your child make a list of strategies she can use when she gets stuck.  For a math assignment, she might try tools like a number line or her math journal with her class notes.  When she’s reading, she could look up words in the dictionary or reread the paragraph for clarification.  Many of our teachers use Edmodo online to assist with homework assignments; it’s easy for the student to ask the question and get several responses for assistance that evening online.

While I never advocate for lots of homework (learners have been working all day at their “school job” after all), I do believe in positive practice on occasion.  Help make homework rewarding by participating in it with your child.  Acting out a reading passage, drawing a math problem, or creating a game out of an assignment can turn into some quick family fun.  Have your child teach you the concept; we know it well when we can teach it to others!  If you have concerns about homework, please visit with your child’s teacher.  Like any skill in life, studying and homework practice must be taught; you are your child’s first and most important teacher too!  🙂

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Study Skills and Homework…really?!

Like any important life skill, studying must be taught and practiced.  There was much discussion in one classroom I visited today on this very topic in fact!  Students had much advice to offer, so here are some reminders to help all of us with our study habits and homework (taken from some experts, our learners!):

  1. Work on the harder stuff first, like math or writing.  You have more brain power then.  🙂
  2. Use the planner and write it all down.  Who can remember everything at once?  🙂
  3. Mom has an special area we use for studying and homework now–it has paper, pencils, index cards, and other supplies we might need to finish our work–we have six kids, you know.  🙂
  4. Stay organized and know what you need to finish your work.  🙂
  5. A really good snack helps me study more.  🙂
  6. I have to “teach” the lesson to dad when he gets home.  I better be ready so he learns it!  🙂
  7. Cooking, reading, playing bingo or other games with my weekly words keeps me sharp.  🙂
  8. I’m given some play time first and then it’s time to settle down to work.  🙂
  9. Mom and dad read when we read; it’s a rule at home.  🙂
  10. No texting or TVs on when I study; grammy means it!  🙂

Here are some ideas our teachers share with parents:

  • Set a good example; allow your child to see you reading, writing, figuring problems, etc.
  • Look over homework assignments and make yourself available to help if needed.
  • Communicate how important school and education are in life.
  • Have high expectations and expect your child’s personal best always.
  • Invite your child to teach you a concept or new information being studied in class; we learn best when we teach someone else the idea.
  • Keep informed about grades and school progress; attend school conferences and participate in school activities teaching you how to work with your child.  Communicate and collaborate regularly with your child’s teacher(s).

Remember, you are your child’s first and most important teacher.  You are our partners and participating members of our learning community!  We always invite your suggestions, your triumphs, and your concerns, so let us know how we can best serve your child and you during this educational journey.  Study skills and homework are ongoing during the academic year…it’s a blessing to know we have some REALLY great ideas to help us!