Homework Hints

Homework time can stressful for both parents and students. Here are a few helpful hints to help this part of the day go smoothly:

• Don't begin homework immediately after school. Children need down time. Think of how you feel after a long day of work or being at home with the children. Your child may feel similarly after a day of school.
• Your child will work better after some physical activity. Give your child a chance to release some energy before sitting down to do homework.
• Try to pick a consistent time each evening to sit and do homework. Your child will adjust to the routine.
• Remove all distractions: turn off the TV and radio, pick a room away from the telephone, and have younger siblings leave the room. Fewer distractions will result in a shorter homework time!
• Set a timer. Young children do not have a good sense of time. By using a timer, your child can actually see the homework time decrease. Limit homework time to 15 minutes for your kindergartener or first grader.
• Try to stay in the same room as your child. Young children need support from parents to help develop good study skills.
• Be prepared for homework. Create a homework box so you do not waste time looking for materials every night. Keep pencils, erasers, crayons, a pair of scissors, and a glue stick in the homework box.