Parent Tip


Homework Hints (Information compiled by Mrs. Polston from Helping Your Child with Homework, KSDE)
It is important for us to understand that we all learn in different ways and that what works for some may not work for others. We hope that these tips will help alleviate some of the frustrations that homework may cause from time to time. Here are some common reasons that teachers assign homework: 1. Review and practice what was covered in class. 2. Get students ready for the next day's class. 3. Prepare students for assessments. 4. Extend learning by applying skills learned to various situations 5. Encourage students to work independently 6. Allow students to become more responsible and self-disciplined.
Homework Tips
Set a good example. Show your child the skills he/she is being taught will be important to him/her as an adult. Let your child see you use your reading, writing, and math skills. (Read books and newspapers, write letters reports and e-mails, balance checkbook, pay bills, measure for new carpet, etc.) Tell your child what you do at work.
When the teacher asks that you play a role in the homework, please do it. Cooperation between the teacher and the parents is a must. It shows your child that the school and home are a team. Follow the directions given by the teacher on the homework.
Reward progress in homework. If your child has been successful in homework completion and is working hard, celebrate that success with a special event such as: pizza, a walk, play a game, take a trip to the park, those types of things will help reinforce the positive effort.
Watch your child for signs of failure and frustration. Let your child take a short break if he/she is having trouble keeping his/her mind on the assignment.
Help your child figure out what is hard homework and what is easy homework. Have your child do the hard work first. This will mean he/she will be most alert when facing the biggest challenges. Easier material will seem to go faster when fatigue starts to set in.
Stay informed. Talk with your child's teacher (personally, by phone, via e-mail, or by note).
When your child does homework, you do homework. Show your child that the skills they are learning are related to many things you do as an adult. If your child is reading, you read, too. If your child is doing math, balance your checkbook.
Be positive about homework. Tell your child how important school is. The attitude you express about homework will be the attitude your child acquires.
Help your child with time management. Establish a set time each day for doing homework. don't let your child leave homework until just before bedtime. Think about using a weekend morning or afternoon for working on big projects, especially if the project involves getting together with classmates.
Make sure the materials your child needs, such as paper, pencils, and a dictionary are available. Ask your child if special materials will be needed for some projects and get them in advance.
Make sure your child has a quiet, well-lit place to do homework.

Reading Helps Kids
Succeed in School
by Patty Collins
Assistant Director for Youth Services
Dorothy Bramlage Public Library
(as published in the Junction City Daily Union)

Tips to use to help your child have a successful school year:

Develop a homework schedule. Set aside a specific period of time each day for your child to work on his/her homework. Put an emphasis on the importance of that time. Avoid the television, video games, and other distractions. On those days when no homework is assigned, reserve that time to read.
Help your child get organized. Provide your child adequate supplies and a place to complete projects and assignments.
Get involved in your child's education. Volunteering at school doesn't have to take a lot of time, but the rewards are priceless. Your child sees that you value learning and is excited to have you be a part of his or her life outside of the home. Join the local parent's group, assist with a field trip, or volunteer for lunch or playground duty.
Keep the lines of communication open. Develop a system for sending important papers back and forth to school. Read the school newsletter and all information from your child's teacher. Contact the teacher with concerns and questions as soon as they arise. Do not wait for the teacher to come to you, as he/she may not anticipate your concerns.
Network with parents. Get acquainted with the parent of another child in your son or daughter's class. A friend may easily translate unclear notes or homework assignments.
Celebrate your child's success. Monitor your child's progress and rejoice in the improvements, even the smallest ones. Consider inexpensive rewards like handwritten notes or stickers to reinforce a job well done.
Let your child see you reading. Adults often reserve their personal reading time for late in the evening after the kids have gone to bed. Children will see the value of books if they are allowed to see influential adults reading daily.
Read, read, read! The library has thousands of great books for every reader. If you're not sure where to start, try tapping into your child's interests. Choose books with exciting plots about entertaining subjects. Allowing youngsters the opportunity to read in non-traditional ways can be exciting as well. Offering books-on-tapes, magazines, or comic books as an alternative may make reading more enjoyable for those who see reading as a chore. Finally, it's important for children to understand that he/she doesn't have to finish every book. Fostering a desire to read is more significant than the number of pages read.