Helping
with Homework
Adrian H. Cline,
Superintendent
How many times has your
child asked for help with homework? How
many times have you ended up doing the homework yourself?
This happens often, and while you should be
commended for helping, you are doing more harm than good by completing the work
for your child.
Here some tips for helping your child with
homework:
·
Have your
child read the homework directions, then explain them to you.
·
Do one
subject at a time. Have your child
discuss what needs to be done and explain how he or she plans to find the
answers.
·
Do not expect your child
to turn in a perfect paper. It is
important for him or her to realize you do not expect perfection.
·
Have
patience. Your child will try to get you
to do the homework, but it is important for him or her to realize that he or
she can do it.
Children who receive help with homework win
in two ways: they get private tutoring as well as open communication with their
parents.
Creating
a Homework Unit
Where does your child study? At the kitchen table while you wash
dishes? In the living
room with the television on? In
the bedroom where you really cannot keep on eye on what he or she is doing?
If you want your child to get the most out
of homework, you need to create a Homework Unit: a place where studying is the
prime objective and there are no distractions.
Never allow other children into the Homework Unit when it is being used,
unless they are study partners. Homework
time is not for socializing.
Put some serious thought into where the
Homework Unit will be located. There
must be good lighting, proper air circulation, silence, and a comfortable
learning station. Work with your child
to decorate the unit to his or her liking.
After all, he or she will be spending a lot of time studying there.
Here are some items and supplies to include
in a Homework Unit:
· A desk or table with
plenty of space for spreading out books and papers.
·
A rolling cart with
supplies such as pencils, pens, crayons, markers, glue, etc. An electric pencil sharpener would be great.
·
A dry-erase book with
working dry-erase markers and a good eraser.
·
A file cabinet and a
place to store books and projects.
·
A computer for research
and projects.
If you have more than one child who will be
using the unit, you will need to consider everyone’s needs. You should make a schedule so that it is
understood who gets to use the unit, and when.
The Office of Adrian H. Cline, Superintendent, is open from