5 Simple Homework Strategies to Help Your Child
By: Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes (2011)
Just as your children have schedules and expectations each day at school, it is important to have them at home as well. This is especially important for helping to get homework done with the fewest possible frustrations for both you and your child. While establishing a routine may be time consuming in the beginning, it does become routine, and thus easier with each passing day. Homework expectations will become just one more part of their and your busy lives.
Lindamood-Bell recommends the following 5 simple, yet effective, homework strategies to help your child stay on track:
Plan study time with a schedule
- Look ahead to see what needs to be accomplished in the next day, week, and month.
- Be realistic when estimating the time it will take to complete an assignment or project.
Prioritize with a to-do list
- Write out a to-do list each day.
- The list should include homework assignments, activities, chores, and plans with friends.
Organize each day
- Make sure backpacks are packed with the appropriate books, binders and school supplies.
- Help your child pack the backpack the night before and unpack it as soon as they come home from school.
- Use one binder for each subject.
- Each subject binder should have two labeled sections: one for work to be finished and one for completed work.
Set up a positive workspace to facilitate good study habits
- Make sure the space has good lighting, a clutter-free table top, and a comfortable chair. There should be little or no noise. Avoid distractions such as loud music, instant messaging, phone calls, text messages, television, and electronic games.
Encourage your child to talk with his teacher
- Help your child ask questions when he doesn't understand something or needs help with classwork or homework.
- Rehearse with your child what to say when she needs help.
Find more resources at Lindamood Bell Learning Processes.