How You Can Help Your Child With Homework

 

Agree with your child on a set time to do homework every day.

Encourage your child to study at a desk or table rather than in a bed or easy chair.

If it is hard for your child to sit still or concentrate for more that a short period of time, encourage him or her to walk while looking at flash cards or talk aloud when reviewing information.

Discourage distractions like TV, conversations in the background, or calls from friends during homework time.

If your child can’t get started, talk through the assignments with him or her. Be supportive but avoid doing the homework for your child.

If you are unable to help your child with a difficult subject, ask for help from a relative. Also see if the school, library, or community or religious organization can provide tutoring or homework help through an after-school program. Encourage your child to participate in study groups with classmates.

Check to see that all the work is done, and sign it.

Supply your child with study aids such as a computer, dictionary, thesaurus, or encyclopedias. Show your child how to use them.

If you have more than one child, encourage them to help each other. Older children can often serve as tutors to younger children and reinforce their skills while helping the younger child learn.