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What Parents/Guardians Should Know About Homework
Many capable children at all grade levels experience frustration and failure in school, not because they lack ability (or English skills), but because they do not have adequate study skills. Good study habits are important to success in school and in forming good work habits. Many times, these study habits must be learned.
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If Shakespeare were alive today, he might write "To assign homework, or not to assign homework, that is the question." While some experts recommend that schools give no homework at all, most schools have guidelines like 20 minutes of homework per grade or 30 minutes of homework in each subject every night. But these are hardly accurate gauges of what is appropriate for every student and such guidelines ignore the important issue. Does homework really make a difference? Homework is helpful if it encourages students to think, practice new skills, or show initiative. You don't have to be the homework police, but make sure that your young adolescent's homework is meaningful.
- Emphasize quality over quantity.
- Take time to discuss homework completed. Ask your child to explain the key ideas.
- Ask to see homework that has been checked by a teacher. If students know homework will be checked, they are more likely to complete it.
from the NMSA webpage, The Family Connection, 2004, Vol. 8., No. 1
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Tips for Success!
- Write down assignments. Calendars, planners, or learning logs are great!
- Use self-stick notes. Attach them to books needed for homework. Take home everything with a note on it.
- Get organized. File papers and divide a binder into sections or designate folders for each subject.
- Make “to do” lists. Create a list of tasks to complete during study time. Crossing them off will help stay focused and feel a sense of accomplishment.
- Set up a study spot. Choose a place that is well lit, quiet, comfortable, neat, stocked with the needed supplies, and attractive.
- Stick with study routine. Consider setting a required work time when your child is most alert.
- Set priorities. Make test preparation a priority over other activities. . It is probably best to start with the hardest subjects because they demand the most energy and attention. However, sometime starting with the easy parts may help get started. Short, regular breaks help most people think better.
- Be supportive. Expect that homework/studying will always be done well. Keep a positive attitude. Keep criticisms to a minimum. Be a good listener to your child's frustrations, and help your child set reasonable goals for reading and writing assignments, test preparation, and projects.
- Follow through. Encourage your child to review all assignments before placing them in his/her backpack If your child doesn't complete homework, consider reducing the freedom your child has until grades and effort improve.
- Reward orderliness and hard work. Display well-done work in a prominent place in your home.
Sources: NMSA and NASSP
Homework Resource Sites:
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Ask Away - connects you to a librarian who can help you find information you need
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“Most kids have to learn organization skills, and parents are the best teachers. Experts say kids are much more likely to get organized if parents show them how.” --The Parent Institute
Reviewed January 2010
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