Supporting The Homework Habit
Parents and Families play a vital role in educating America's children. Children need to know that their parents and adults close to them think homework is important. When they know their parents care and value homework and school, children are more likely to complete assignments and turn them in on time. A parent's interest can spark enthusiasm in a child and help teach the most important lesson of all--that learning can be fun and is well worth the effort. There is a lot that you can do to show that you value education and homework. Here are some easy things that you can do at home to encourage and help your child with homework:
1. Set a regular time.
Finding a regular time for homework helps children finish assignments. The best schedule is one that works for your child and your family. What works well in one household may not work in another. Of course, a good schedule depends in part on your child's age, as well as individual needs. It may help to write out the schedule and put it in a place where you'll see it often, such as the refrigerator door.
2. Pick a place.
A study area should have lots of light; supplies close by, and should be fairly quiet. A study area doesn't have to be fancy. A desk in the bedroom is nice, but for many youngsters the kitchen table or a corner of the living room works just fine.
3. Remove distractions.
Turn off the television and discourage social telephone calls during homework time. If you live in a small or noisy household, try having all family members take part in a quiet activity during homework time. If distractions can't be avoided, your child may want to complete assignments in a nearby library.
4. Provide supplies and identify resources.
For starters, collect pencils, pens, erasers, writing paper, an assignment book, and a dictionary. Other things that might be helpful include glue, a stapler, paper clips, maps, a calculator, a pencil sharpener, tape, scissors, a ruler, index cards, a thesaurus, and an almanac. Keep these items together in one place if possible. If you can't provide your child with needed supplies, check with the teacher, school guidance counselor, or principal about possible sources of assistance.
5. Set a good example.
Children are more likely to study if they see you reading, writing, and doing things that require thought and effort on your part. Talk with your child about what you're reading and writing even if it's something as simple as making the grocery list.
6. Show an interest.
Make time to take your child to the library to check out materials needed for homework (and for fun too), and read with your child as often as you can. Talk about school and learning activities in family conversations. Ask your child what was discussed in class that day. Another good way to show your interest is to attend school activities, such as parent-teacher meetings, shows, and sports events. If you can, volunteer to help in the classroom or at special events.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content/homework.html
Resources
The following publications provide more information for parents on ways to approach homework.
- American Federation of Teachers (1991).Home Team Learning Activities for the Early Grades.*
- Canter, Lee, and Hauser, Lee, (1987).Homework Without Tears. New York: Perennial Library.
- Klavan, Ellen (1992).Taming the Homework Monster. New York: Poseidon Press.
- The National PTA and the National Education Association (1995). Helping Your Student Get the Most Out of Homework.**
- Rich, Dorothy (1988, 1992).Megaskills: How Families Can Help Children Succeed in School and Beyond. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
- Sonna, Linda Agler (1990).The Homework Solution: Getting Kids To Do Their Homework. Charlotte, Vermont: Williamson Publishing Co.
The following website has some great tools for the entire family. From teaching your child about money to providing classroom support materials.
http://school.familyeducation.com/reading/early-learning/46528.html
Denver Public Library
Going to the Library is an exciting free resource service for both children and parents. The Library has easy access to a wide variety of information for the entire family. Your children will be able to read and check out books, use the computer, research any subject for homework assignments, and papers for school. You can even check out movies and music as well. The Library offers events and programs for children. The Library is a fun and educational haven for all to be empowered. For more information about the Denver Public Library log on to www.denverlibrary.org.
Bilingual classes for adults are available at seven Learning & Language Library branches.
For more information click on http://denverlibrary.org/news/dplnews/ged.html (English) and http://espanol.denverlibrary.org/servicios/clases.html (Spanish).
Children's activities are offered at the same time as all of the classes.
The seven Learning & Language branches are:
Blair-Caldwell
720-865-2401
2401 Welton Street
Denver, CO 80205
Ford-Warren
720-865-0920
2825 High St.
Denver, CO 80205
Hadley
303-935-4267
1890 S. Grove St.
Denver, CO 80219
Hampden
303-750-3885
9755 E. Girard Ave.
Denver, CO 80231
Montbello
303-373-0767
12955 Albrook Dr.
Denver, CO 80239
Ross-Barnum
303-935-1891
3570 W. First Ave.
Denver, CO 80219
Woodbury
720-865-0930
3265 Federal Blvd.
Denver, CO 80211