Homework Completion

Find a regular place at home for your child to do homework—a desk in his or her room is ideal, but the kitchen table will do.

Make sure the work area has ample lighting, a minimum of noise, and a place for books and supplies.

Eliminate distractions during study time.  Turn off the TV and have snacks before the homework begins.  Ask brothers or sisters to respect this time.

Establish mandatory homework time.  This entire time (one to two hours) should be spent doing homework or school related activities (reading, reviewing notes, etc.)  But also allow for some free time.

Show an interest in your child’s homework.  Check his/her daily planner, ask about subjects and the work to be done, then follow up to see that it was done. 

Try to relate the homework to the child’s everyday life.  For instance, if fractions and measurements are being studied, have the child prepare a favorite food using the differing measurements.

Coach your child with an unknown word or difficult problem, but don’t actually do the homework; children must do homework themselves in order to learn.

Praise your child for successfully completing homework assignments.  Nothing builds self-esteem like praise from parents.

Carefully observe how your child is studying at home.  Share your insights with his or her teacher in parent-teacher meetings.

If a child strongly dislikes or has trouble completing homework, find out why.