Helping Kids with Homework
Is homework a dirty word at your house? The intent of homework is to reinforce learning that has taken place at school. Specifically, it can provide an opportunity to master skills taught in school, prepare children for future class discussions and activities, complete class work not finished at school, encourage independence, creativity and reading, and develop a sense of discipline and organization. With all of this going for it, how does it sometimes turn into such a battle? Homework can become a power struggle between parents and children with parents nagging, and children finding ways to procrastinate doing homework. Before too long both parents and children see homework as a punishment.
Advice for parents
- Don't nag. Instead, set up specific expectations for when and where homework should be done. Let children help make these decisions. Agree on consequences if these expectations are not meet.
- Establish a nightly quiet/study time. If children have no homework or it's finished early encourage them to spend the time reading. This routine avoids rewarding children for completing their homework as quickly as possible so they can play. During this quiet time parents can be good role models by reading, writing letters or paying bills. The length of time depends on the child's age and homework load. Elementary-age children may need to take a break every 15 - 30 minutes; older children can concentrate for 30-45 minutes at a time.
- Provide a place to study that is quiet and free of distractions. Make sure there is good lighting, and a desk or table with a comfortable chair.
- Help children keep track of assignments and projects on a calendar or in an assignment journal.
- Be interested in assignments and available to help. Start by helping children understand the directions for the assignment. Have children read the directions out-loud or read them together. Help children identify and assemble all the supplies they will need to complete the assignment (pencil, calculator, dictionary). If children are still unsure what to do, parents can complete one or two examples, but not every question.
- Check homework and have children correct any mistakes. Pointing out mistakes while keeping children feeling positive about you and his/her work is very tricky. One suggestion is to ask children how they got that answer, they may discover their own mistake. Praise right answers, creative thinking, problem solving and effort. Show children how to correct mistakes. If children are tired or frustrated you might offer to help by erasing while they take a quick break and before they make needed corrections.
- Recognize your limits and the frustration level between you and your child. In some cases it is better to hire a tutor or older student to help your child. Talk to the teacher if your child does not understand assignments, or struggles to complete them. Ask the teacher how much time completing nightly homework should take.
Advice for children
- Read the directions before you start, even if you think you already know what to do.
- If possible start your homework at school while the teacher is there to answer questions.
- Have a homework phone friend. Call them if you forget what the assignment is or you can't remember what the teacher said in class. Find out if your school or community has a homework hotline and use it if you're having trouble. Don't be afraid to ask for help!
- If you get stuck, don't give up. Go back and look at the sample problems or read the directions again. If you still don't understand go on to another problem or part of the assignment. If the assignment is really hard don't do it all at once. Do one part and put it aside while you do something else, and then come back to it.
- If you don't understand a word, look it up in the glossary in the back of the book or use a dictionary.
- Show homework to your parents or tutor and let them check it for you before you turn it in.
- Turn in your homework even if you think you did it wrong, this lets the teacher know you need help.
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Street Smarts
Parents can teach their children to avoid danger without frightening them.
Here are a few guidelines to help your child be more street smart:
- Encourage your child to walk with a friend. The old saying about safety in numbers is true. Practice the "buddy system."
- Tell your child not to assist or follow a stranger. There are good and bad strangers. Explain to your child that good strangers may be a police officer, mail carrier, or someone who can be asked for help when needed.
- Identify safe places where your child can find a telephone and helpful adults. Ask two or three neighbors if your children can count on them for help if necessary.
- Find the shortest and safest route. Encourage your child to avoid shortcuts through deserted areas. Stay on the sidewalks and cross at corners.
- Help your children memorize their telephone number and how to reach you at work.
- Give your child general guidelines rather than a long list of specific rules that they can't remember.
Teaching them to judge people and situations is the best way to help them take care of themselves. Practicing these situations can help them solve problems and be safer.
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Soda Pop…Sugar Facts
Soda or pop has been an American staple for 100 years. But since the mid-1980s a sharp rise in consumption has occurred. Today the average is more than one 12-ounce can per person per day. Each 12-ounce of soda/pop has 10 to 12 teaspoons of sugar. That equals ¼ cup sugar and 140 calories. Pop contains calories but no nutrients. Often it replaces calcium-rich drinks needed for bone and cell development and maintenance. Children and teens consume pop in the greatest numbers. Sixty-one percent of the United States population is overweight or obese, including children. Pop can be a major contributing factor to this situation.
For more information on a variety of Consumer and family topics, contact your
local Colorado State University Extension office.
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