12 essential homework tips and tools

February 1, 5:51 PMDC Family ExaminerRisa Sanders

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1. Check your child's planner every night. Your child should have a school planner, or calendar, in which they list their homework assignments and projects. Help them learn to translate those assignments into their component steps, and then write those down on a large calendar near their homework area. Check it often and cross tasks off as they are completed. Estimate realistic timetables for each step and jot that down next to the task.
2. Schedule 1 to 2 hours a night for homework. This varies by grade level. Younger elementary students may only have 30 minutes a night, while most high school students have an hour per course, plus they need to to study for tests, which is different from "homework". Budget time accordingly for after school sports, clubs and work.
3. Study with your child before tests and quizzes. Make sure your child knows how to "study". It isn't just re-reading the material. Help them learn to identify key concepts, how to ask themselves questions, to double-check their facts, use mnemonics to memorize lists, etc;
4. Talk to your child often about his/her progress. Ask how they feel they are doing. Help them take ownership of the process of preparing adequately.
5. Check to see that homework has been completed. Ask your child to teach you something new each day. Ask them to explain, not just repeat verbatim, what they are learning. Read the newspaper together, etc; based on your child's age.
6. Encourage your child to stay after school for additional help. Some students need coaching to learn how to ask for extra help. Be a good role model of requesting help.
7. Call your child's counselor and schedule a parent conference If your child seems to be inundated or overwhelmed with homework, touch base with the counselor. Consider some professional counseling, tutoring, or academic coaching depending on the circumstances. If assignments aren't being returned in a timely way, or without useful comment and feedback. speak with the teacher and/or counselor.
8. Communicate with teachers via email, blackboard.com, or by phone. Teachers are generally expected to reply within 24 hours. If you haven't heard back, try again.
9. Provide incentives to your child when he/she completes assignments. We all benefit from positive reinforcement. It can be anything at all that is of value to your child. But, keep your word.
10. Ensure your child has a quiet place to study and complete homework. It doesn't have to be fancy, but it needs to be clear, quiet, and have their needed materials handy.
11. Monitor your child's attendance and tardies to ensure he/she attends school every day.
12. Provide logical consequences when your child does not complete assignments This is crucial preparation for the real world. The work is your child's ultimate responsibility and, if they choose not to do it, then they need to experience the natural outcome of that decision. Discuss it and help your child make better choices next time. Keep encouraging, not nagging.

 Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.