Is Your Home Ready for Homework?

PREPARING THE HOME FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

As a parent, your support of your child’s education is vital for his/her success in school. Here are 10 Tips for preparing your home for doing homework assignments.

1. Schedule time each day for homework: set aside 30-45 minutes to complete assignments. Remember to plan 20 minutes of reading time with your child every day. This will help your child to keep reading skills sharp and to maintain reading on grade level.

2. Provide space and supplies: select a location in your home for your child to have a work space that is uncluttered. Have paper and pencils available to complete assignments.

3. Set time with few distractions: the TV should be turned off during homework time. Small children can be entertained with quiet games during this time.

4. Set rules and guidelines: plan with your child the necessary expectations for completing the work in a timely manner.

5. Offer help and check over the work: offer to assist your child but it is very important that he/she completed the work on his/her own. Look over the finished papers to see if directions had been followed correctly.

6. Have a plan for returning the work: assist child in returning the completed work to school the next day. Help your child to organize the book bag or folders to place the homework papers. Remind your child to turn the work in the next day.

7. Sign and return homework journals: many classes have homework agendas or journals to show parents have seen their child’s work so you will want to follow this plan to record your assistance.

8. Keep the lines of communication open between the home and school: feel free to contact your child’s teacher when needed. Take advantage of open house, conferences, and volunteer opportunities, as they arise, so you can keep informed about your child’s progress in school.

9. Tell the teacher if the homework is either too hard or too easy: homework is designed to give your child practice in important skills. If the homework doesn’t match your child’s skill level, contact the teacher to seek her advice.

10. Schedule conference time at least twice a year: it is so important to have a face to face conference time with your child’s teacher early in the school year and again near the end. This will keep you informed concerning reading and math progress. When you understand your child’s progress, you can offer assistance when needed.



By following these tips, you will show your child that your family values a good education and hard work. By working with your child’s teacher, the partnership will help your child have a successful school year.