1. Let your child know that homework
is important and valuable. 2. Set a regular time each day for
homework, allowing some time to unwind after school before
getting started. 3. Be sure your child has all
essentials, such as papers, books, school notebooks, and
pencils. 4. Help your child get organized by
providing folders for papers and a calendar and/or
assignment book. 5. Have a quiet, clean, and well - lit
place to study, with a comfortable chair. Keep all
schoolwork there. 6. Discourage distractions, including
TV, during study time. Allow study breaks at
intervals. 7. Be available to answer questions or
help quiz your child, but keep homework as his or her
responsibility to complete. 8. Spot check homework when it's
completed, but don't correct assignments unless the teacher
has asked you to. 9. Read any comments the teacher has
made on returned assignments. 10. If a homework problem arises,
contact the teacher for clarification. REMEMBER: Praise your child for
homework done to the best of his or her ability. Helping Your Child with Homework -
Tips from the U.S. Dept. of Education
1. Show you care. Your child needs
hugs and words of support. As your child about school each
day. 2. Read, read, read. Read with your
child or have him or her read every day. Make it fun - talk
about what you've read. 3. Make home a place for learning.
Help your child practice reading, writing, math and science
skills. Stimulate your child's creativity. 4. Promote healthy habits. Make sure
your child gets plenty of sleep and exercise and eats
balanced meals. Schedule regular checkups. 5. Be a role model. Your child learns
from you. Be positive about education and show you enjoy
learning. 6. Encourage independence. Allow your
child to make mistakes and learn to accept their
consequences. Give your child responsibilities, such as
household chores. 7. Create a study routine. Set a time
and quiet place for your child to work every day. Go over
homework together. 8. Get involved. Meet with your
child's teacher, attend school events and help out at school
if you can. 9. Build success. Help raise your
child's self-esteem by setting reachable goals and praising
your child's efforts, not just results. 10. Make school important. Insist on
good attendance and punctuality.