Family & Consumer Science News
Helpful Homework Hints
By Terri Black County Extension Agent

A new school year is beginning. If you are a parent, you know that students will begin to

come home with one homework assignment after another. Res earch shows that doing

homework

is a surefire way to promote academic success. Parents can help by being interested and involved and by providing structure and guidance.

The amount of homework your child does will depend on his age, the teacher, and the philosophy of the school. The where, when, and how of homework are details you and your child need to work out together. Below are some suggestions about how you might help your child with his homework.

• Set a regular place and time for homework.

• Lay out all of the homework rules at the beginning of the school year. This helps your child adjust to a schedule.

• Consider letting the child have a snack or play break for a while after school and study in the early evening.

• Build in study breaks if your child's attention span isn't long enough to complete his work at one sitting.

• Schedule study time when an adult will be available to help.

• Let children know that homework is a priority.

• Require that children use the full time for studying or reading. This will keep them from rushing through work in order to play.

• Ask your child if she wants help. Don't assume that she always needs your help, but don't assume that she never needs it, either.

• Check your child's work, but resist the temptation to actually do the work. Proofread or correct, but let your child earn her own grades.

• Keep a list of phone numbers of your child's classmates in case she forgets to write down an assignment.

• Learn to ask leading questions when your child is stuck - "Why?" "What do you think?"

• Help a shy, soft-spoken child prepare for reading aloud or presenting in class by providing lots of practice. Have him read to you until he is comfortable. Sit farther apart each time so he will practice raising his voice.

• Don't allow homework to become a battle. If your child is having problems, talk to the teacher about some solutions.

• If she has a test coming up, space studying over days or weeks. Don't allow your child to cram for a test.

Homework gives you the chance to teach your child skills in managing time and learning discipline. These skills will help her become a successful adult. Some parents worry that their children are being assigned too much homework by teachers. Some educators suggest that daily study time should be at least ten times the child's grade level. While a first-grader would have to study for ten minutes (1x10), a sixth-grader would need to study for an hour (6x10). Talk with your child's teacher if the amount seems unreasonable or takes your child an unusually long time to complete.

For more information on helping children succeed in school and keeping family balance, contact the Burke County Extension Office at 706-554- 2119.