If you were unable to attend our focus meeting on Homework here are some of the general tips we covered:
Resepect your child's need to "recharge after school". Some children want to have a snack, whereas others prefer to draw, do something physically active, play with a friend, read or listen to music
Make sure your child has a quiet, well-lit place to do homework. Avoid having your child do homework with the television on or in places with other distractions, such as people coming and going. During homework time, make sure siblings are not engaged in distracting activities.
Make sure the materials your child needs, such as paper, pencils and a dictionary, are available. Ask your child if special materials will be needed for some projects and get them in advance. If the family dictionary is kept in the living room and the child studies in his room, get him an inexpensive dictionary for his/her exclusive use.
Help your child with time management. Establish a set time each day for doing homework, including both a beginning and an ending time. Do not let your child leave homework until just before bedtime. Think about using a weekend morning or afternoon for working on big projects, especially if the project involves getting together with classmates.
Consider your child's developmental level when setting the amount of time for homework. While high school students can focus for over an hour, first-graders are unlikely to last more than 15 minutes on a single task. Allow your child to take breaks, perhaps as a reward for finishing a section of the work.
Be positive about homework. Tell your child how important school is. The attitude you express about homework affects the attitude your child acquires.
When your child does homework, you do homework. Show your child that the skills they are learning are related to things you do as an adult. If your child is reading, you read too. If your child is doing math, balance your checkbook.
When your child asks for help, provide guidance, not answers. Giving answers means your child will not learn the material. Too much help teaches your child that when the going gets rough, someone will do the work for him or her.
When the teacher asks that you play a role in homework, do it. Cooperate with the teacher. It shows your child that the school and home are a team. Follow the directions given by the teacher.
If homework is meant to be done by your child alone, stay away. Too much parent involvement can prevent homework from having some positive effects. Homework is a great way for kids to develop independent, lifelong learning skills.
Stay informed. Talk with your child's teacher. Make sure you know the purpose of homework and what your child's class rules are.
Watch your child for signs of failure and frustration. Let your child take a short break if she is having trouble keeping her mind on assignments.