Strategies for Homework Success

1.Help your child find an appropriate and consistent environment for study. This place should be quiet, have adequate lighting and a desk or writing surface. Minimize distractions such as TV, stereo, telephone, etc.

2.Help your child set a routine. Set up a homework routine for the same time daily. This will let your child know that you have expectations of them with regards to homework. It will also help to develop a habit of completing schoolwork at the same time and place daily.

3.Help your child be prepared to do the work. Stock your homework center with supplies, such as a the textbook, pencils, paper, etc.

4.Help your child set goals. Suggest that your child set short-range goals prior to homework. For example, “1) Review the concept of slope. 2) Complete the assigned math homework. 3) Write a thesis statement for my essay.” Take breaks between assignments for different classes.

5.Help your child get organized. Encourage the use of the syllabus provided. Suggest they keep three-ring notebooks for each subject.

6.Monitor your child’s progress occasionally. Touch base with your child while they are completing the work. Be aware of things to be accomplished each night and check if necessary.

Preparing

For Success: How to help your Student in Math

As a parent, you play a critical role in your child’s academic performance, a role that begins before your child enters school and continues through high school. Regardless of your child’s age, here are some basic ways you can support your child’s from elementary through high school.

Believe in your child! Children of all ages are quick to pick up on parents’ attitudes. Communicating a firm belief in your child’s ability to excel can bolster confidence and motivate your child to strive toward greater achievements. Many adults grew up with the idea that some students were good at math and others weren’t and there wasn’t anything you could do about it. You may not have enjoyed math in school and you may certainly be bewildered by today’s high school math curriculum. But, it’s important for you to keep a positive attitude about your teen’s ability to succeed in math. Just as we know that all students can learn to read and write, all students can learn math. When you talk to your teen, stay positive about the importance of developing strong math skills. Express your confidence that your teen can improve in math with hard work and encouragement.

Let your child know that you strongly believe in education and that having him excel academically is very important to you.

Regularly discuss your high expectations for school performance and homework with your child and the teachers. Encourage your teen to take responsibility for his learning. Improvement in math skills will take hard work.
Monitor your child’s academic performance carefully. If you believe that your child, though already high performing, can do more challenging work, meet with the teachers and counselor about other opportunities for instruction both in and out of school.

If you see your child achieving less, becoming increasingly frustrated with schoolwork or otherwise not achieving up to his/her capabilities, extra help is available. Math tutoring is offered through your math teacher. You do not have to wait for scheduled parent conference time to request a meeting with the teacher. If the problems continue despite the extra help, ask the teacher or counselor about other assistance. You may want to consider private tutoring.
Talk frequently with your child about classes, homework, deadlines and projects. Consult your child’s syllabus to keep aware of when assignments are due. You don’t have to be an expert in math to help your teen. All you have to do is make time to talk about math together: Ask your teen what he is learning in math. Ask him to explain the math concepts he is learning right now. Encourage him to use correct math vocabulary. The process of explaining it will help him to consolidate what he has learned.

Make it clear that you expect your child to take responsibility for completing assignments in a timely, thorough fashion. Check to make sure that your student has done all the math homework. Ask if he tried to answer every problem and all parts of each question.
Make sure that your child attends school regularly to keep up with the fast-paced, rigorous instruction. If your child does miss a day, ensure that all schoolwork given that day is received and completed.

Recognize your child for effort not just talent. Studies have shown that children, who are praised for hard work, rather than just talent, are more likely to tackle more challenging work.
Monitor carefully your child’s participation in extracurricular activities (including sports, clubs and other social activities, and after-school employment) to ensure that these activities do not interfere with academic performance.

Find role models or possible mentors for your child in the areas of your child’s interests or strengths.