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Handy Homework Tips for Parents

EducationWorld is pleased to feature this article contributed by Barron Whited, Director of Counseling Services at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh and 14-year veteran in elementary, secondary and higher education.

Kids who have returned to class are all too aware that at the end of each day, teachers will assign homework. These assignments are important, since they provide practice and develop critical thinking. More importantly, they develop accountability and responsibility. Here are five tips that teachers can share with parents to help them work with their children so they complete assignments on time.

  1. Encourage children to use a planner.

    Students can use a paper or electronic notebook—whatever is most comfortable—to organize their homework, daily assignments, quizzes and tests. Parents may want to review with their child the course outline. This way students will know what day’s homework is due and when quizzes/tests may be given each week.

    A good tip for using a planner is to establish short and long-term goals to organize the information. Students may want to map out all the marking periods to give a clear idea of any major projects that may be due throughout the school year. They also need to learn flexibility through this process, allowing sufficient time for completing unexpected assignments. I also recommend that young people reward themselves after finishing homework by watching a favorite show, reading a book for pleasure or going outside to play with friends.  
     
  2. Set up a homework time that works for your family.

    Students and parents may want to set a time that works for everyone’s schedule. Some families may gather after school, and others may feel more comfortable doing homework after dinner.

    Once the time is set, it will be important for parents to create an environment that leads to success. This involves providing a quiet, comfortable space to work, the necessary supplies (pencils, pens, computers) and storage bins to keep everything organized. At the beginning of every homework session, try to encourage students to finish all assignments and learn as much as possible.
       
  3. Use binders and note cards to help with organization.

    Parents should encourage students to organize all their classes into a binder. Then kids can label a pocket folder for each subject/class and use these folders to separate class notes, PowerPoints, assignments and tests.

    Young people also can benefit from using note cards to study for tests. Many students may be taking subjects—such as history, chemistry or biology—that require a great deal of memorization. Using note cards can be a fast and effective way to study vocabulary words, a series of events or even dates. For example, a student can put a vocabulary word on the front of the note card and its definition on the back.
     
  4. Eliminate distractions during homework time.

    When students begin to do a homework assignment or prepare for a test, is it is vital that they eliminate all distractions from the study room. Young children in particular may need close supervision during homework time.

    This sometimes is a challenge to accomplish because kids love to text, play video games or even watch TV. Parents may want to ask other family members to respect homework time by limiting phone calls or loud activities. They also need to make sure the study room is not close to a window or any outside distractions such a neighbor cutting the grass or children playing.
     
  5. Establish effective time management skills.

    Parents can help children gain good time management skills by establishing a routine with homework. Each day the student will come home from school with the expectation of completing the day’s assignments. These daily routines not only allow kids to succeed in school but also teach practical skills for the future.

    Finally, students should structure their study time on an organizational chart by prioritizing assignments by due dates. This will help them learn to handle multiple projects at one time.

 

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