HOMEWORK SPACES

Separate space delegated just for homework, it doesn’t always work out that way.

Some children who are easily distracted need a quiet place to get their work done, and others need to have some company in order to accomplish their homework tasks. So think about where studying would be best. Many study desks or other tables are too high for a child to write at comfortably. If they are sitting at the kitchen table, use phone books so that their elbows can rest on the table at a 90 degree angle. If their feet don’t touch the floor, they will need a footrest of some sort.  Computer screens should be level with their head, directly in front of them, between 18 – 30 inches away, and watch out for glare from the outside.

HOMEWORK KIDS & PARENTS

Children need to wind down after school and process their day. That doesn’t mean T.V. or Nintendo, but a healthy snack and conversation that will energize them for the work ahead.

Hour long study sessions aren’t the best idea either. 15 minutes on 5 minutes off will give them the breaks they need to keep going for the long haul.

It helps children if parents are present while homework is being done. Preparing dinner, reading, or cleaning the kitchen while the children are working will keep them focused and keep parents informed about what’s going on with homework.

HOMEWORK SUPPLIES

Having these supplies close by will keep your child focused on completing their work.

Plenty of paper, Ruler

Sharpened pencils with erasers

Pencil sharpener

Crayons, Colored pencils

Colored pens and markers

Glue stick

Scissors

Stapler with box of staples

Paper clips

Three-hole punch

Dictionary

Thesaurus

Self-stick notepads

Highlighter pens

HOMEWORK STORAGE

Keeping all the homework supplies in one place where children know exactly where to get them is essential. If they work in their own private area, then the supplies can be permanently stationed in an organized set up.

However, if your child works on the kitchen table or on the living room coffee table, having to look at school supplies may not meet your need for order. In these cases, which are common, a portable container with a lid (like a large tupperware box) will allow the supplies to be easily transported to anywhere a child wants to do their homework.

Also, when that special container comes out, children will know that it is time for homework. Along with other homework signals (t.v. off, music off or low, lights bright) children will transition into homework mode.

HOMEWORK STRATEGIES:

• Complete the most difficult assignments first

• Learn memory techniques (Mega Memory)

• Use “Books on Tape”

• Use educational software that teach specific concepts

• Use index cards for handy notes

• Color code and use key words

• Read information, write it down, read it out loud, take a break, come back and review

• Drink plenty of water and have apples and fresh fruit on hand to eat during the homework session.  They’re filled with nutrition, and create energy and joy.

• Reward your child for hard work