Homework Help

Checklist for Helping Your Child(ren) With Homework

1. Show that you think Education and Homework are Important.
   • Do you set a regular time every day for homework?
   • Does your child(ren) have the papers, books, pencils, and other things needed to do assignments?
   • Does your child(ren) have a fairly quiet place to study with lots of light?
   • Do you set a good example by reading and writing yourself?
   • Do you stay in touch with your child(ren)'s teachers?
2. Monitor Assignments.
   • Do you know what your child(ren)'s homework assignments are, how long they should take, and how the teacher wants you to be involved?
   • Do you see that assignments are started and completed?
   • Do you read the teacher's comments on assignments that are returned?
   • Is TV viewing cutting into your child(ren)'s homework time?
3. Provide Guidance.
   • Do you understand and respect your child(ren)'s style of learning?
     • Do they work better alone or with someone else?
     • Do they learn best when they can see things, hear them, or handle them?
   • Do you help your child(ren) get organized?
     • Do they need a calendar, a bag for books, and/or extra folders for papers?
   • Do you encourage your child(ren) to develop good study habits (e.g., scheduling enough time for big assignments; making up practice tests)?
   • Do you talk with your child about homework assignments? Does he/she understand them?
4. Talk with Someone at School when Problems Come Up.
   • Do you meet the teacher early in the year before any problems arise?
   • If a problem comes up, do you meet with the teacher?
   • Do you cooperate with the teacher and your child(ren) to work out a plan and/or schedule to fix homework problems?
   • Do you follow up with the teacher and with your child(ren) to make sure the plan is working?