Homework Tips

Taken from “Parents on Your Side” by Lee Canter

1) Set up a study area.

To do homework successfully, a student must have a place at home in which to work. The area should be well lit, quiet, and have all the necessary supplies at hand.

2) Schedule daily homework time.

Parents can help their children by scheduling daily homework time and sticking to it. It is best if the student is encouraged to do his/her homework as soon as possible after school and at a time when parents are available to help.

3) Tell your child what you expect.

Say, “I know you can do a great job. I expect you to do all of your homework every night and want you to take your time and do the best work you can. Sloppy or unfinished work is not acceptable.”

4) Praise your child for work well done.

Say, “Great job getting your homework done!” or “I like how neat your paper looks. Keep up the good work!” Praise is the best way to encourage continued best efforts.

5) Provide additional incentives.

Give your child a reward each time homework is completed or for every number of minutes he/she is able to focus on his/her homework. An example might be 20 minutes of computer time. You could say, “After you have done this math page, you can talk to your friend on the phone for 10 minutes.”

6) Back up your words with action.

Give choices. Say, “You can chose to either do your homework or lost these privileges: You will not leave the house, you will not watch television, listen to music, or use the telephone. You will sit here until your homework is done. The choice is yours.” It may take several days that you mean business, but stick to your demand.

7) Encourage your child to work independently.

Homework teaches a student responsibility and through homework, students learn how to be independent, successful adults. Encourage your child to ask a teacher or friend for help or to use reference books or dictionaries to collect information. Offer help once all other resources have been tried.

8) Contact the teacher.

If your child is still not doing well with completing homework, you must work together with the teacher to improve your child’s performance.