XSPB FYG (For Your Guidance)

F.Y.G. For Your Guidance

Posted Friday, 24-Nov-2006 7:37 AM

F.Y.G. is your friendly Guidance Corner prepared by the Grade School Guidance Department, featuring various articles on parenting concerns

HOMEWORK HELPS KIDS LEARN

Teachers give homework to help students:

• REVIEW and practice lessons
• PREPARE for class
• DEVELOP skills that will help them think & learn

Kids cannot learn everything they need to know in class. That is why homework is so important!

THERE ARE MANY KINDS OF HOMEWORK

Your child may be asked to:

• READ BOOKS, handouts, newspapers and other materials
• WRITE REPORTS, do spelling lists and solve math problems
• WORK ON PROJECTS for Science, Social Studies and other subjects

Homework helps teachers discover what your child does best and where your child may need help.

HELP FROM PARENTS CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

When parents give support in their kids’ schoolwork, children:

• SHOW MORE INTEREST. They would want to learn and do their best in school.
• LEARN MORE. They would more likely understand and remember lessons.
• GET HIGHER GRADES. This is something kids and parents would both feel good about.
• SCORE HIGHER ON ACHIEVEMENT TESTS. Doing well on these tests would increase opportunities for further education for the children.
• LEARN TO BE RESPONSIBLE. This is an important value at home, in school, and later in life.
• SUCCEED. Good habits that start in school would last a lifetime!

One does not have to be a teacher or a Math or Science expert to help a child with homework!

SET UP STUDY AREA

Choose a spot together where your child can do his homework. A good study area is:

• QUIET. Noise can make it very hard to pay attention to schoolwork.
• COMFORTABLE. See to it that there is plenty of writing space and a study chair. Make the area as pleasant as possible – a place where your child will enjoy spending time.
• WELL-LIT. Good lighting is a must for reading.
• PROPERLY SUPPLIED. Provide plenty of paper, pens and pencils. If possible, have a dictionary, atlas, markers, tape, a ruler, stapler, etc. on hand. Have a place for schoolbooks, too.

SCHEDULE DAILY HOMEWORK TIMES

Ensure that your child sticks to them!

• CHOOSE THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF TIME. Usually, students who are 10 – 14 years old need an hour a day, sometimes even more.
• AVOID CONFLICTS. Sports, clubs and other after-school activities are important. But while it is important to be flexible, your child’s homework must not suffer.
• BE ON HAND, IF POSSIBLE. Try to schedule homework times when you can be around to give help or answer questions.
• LEAVE THE TV OFF! Homework time is for homework. Your child can enjoy watching television, listening to music or chatting on the phone when homework is done.

DO NOT DO YOUR CHILD’S HOMEWORK

He will not learn if you do the work. We suggest that you:

• SET THE STAGE. Remind your child when it is homework time.
• DO NOT TRY TO “TEACH”. Leave that to the teacher. But, if your child needs some help:
• Go through the directions together.
• Work on the first problem with your child. Then, let him finish.

ANSWER QUESTIONS, WHEN YOU CAN

Help you child think about what he is studying by:

• Making comparisons.
• Talking about new ideas.
• Raising questions.

POINT OUT RESOURCES

If your child gets stuck, he can:

• Use a dictionary.
• Check an atlas.
• Call a classmate.
• See a tutor.
• Ask the teacher for extra help.

Encourage your child to solve problems on his /her own before asking for help.

MOTIVATING CHILD TO DO BEST

Parents’ words and actions make a difference.

• GIVE LOTS OF ENCOURAGEMENT. For example, you might say:
• “What matters most is that you do your best.”
• “I know you are able to do it.”
• PRAISE YOUR CHILD OFTEN. When your child does well, let him or her know it:
• “You did a superb job on your spelling words.”
• “I am proud of you for studying so hard.”
• “I am sure you felt good about it.”
• REWARDS CAN HELP TOO. Simple praise is often best. But, now and then a special treat after a hard lesson or project can go a long way. Make sure treats do not become bribes!

HELP WITH STUDY SKILLS

Work with your child on ways to:

• ORGANIZE ASSIGNMENTS. One idea is to make a “study calendar”. Kids can use it to:
• Schedule time for different subjects.
• Post homework due dates.
• Note project deadlines and upcoming tests and quizzes.
• SCHEDULE TIME. Some kids benefit from writing down all their activities – including homework time. – in a daily or weekly planner.
• FOLLOW DIRECTIONS. If directions are difficult, have your child:
• Read them out loud.
• Break them down into steps and number them.
• TAKE NOTES. This helps kids remember things they have read. Have your child look for and write down:
• Topic headings
• Main ideas
• Important names
• Words in bold print and their meanings
• PLAN LONG RANGE ASSIGNMENTS. These include book reports, term papers and science projects. Have your child break down big projects like term papers, into smaller steps:
• Pick a topic.
• Gather facts.
• Do a first draft.
• Write a final draft.

Help your child estimate the amount of time each step will take.

• STUDY FOR TESTS. It is suggested that  your child:
• Reviews notes.
• Re-reads important chapters.
• Shares notes and ideas with classmates.
• Makes up and answer possible test questions.

Above all, do not let your child put off studying until the night before a test. Good study skills help kids do their best on homework!

SHOW THAT LEARNING MATTERS

Your example carries a strong message!

• HELP YOUR CHILD CONNECT IDEAS. Link classroom activities to daily life. For example, show how math is used in following dish recipes.
• READ UP ON SUBJECTS. Your family may have questions about outer space or wildlife. Share your findings and talk about the steps you took to get the answer.
• TALK ABOUT CURRENT EVENTS. Discuss socio-political, environmental and economic issues. Discuss news reports or magazine articles. Find places in the news on a map. History is in the making everyday!

TEAM UP WITH TEACHERS

Together, you can help your child put in a winning effort.

• MEET REGULARLY. Find out the subjects covered in class, your child’s strengths and weaknesses, etc. Visit the classroom.
• KNOW WHAT IS EXPECTED. This includes amount of homework, time required and any special projects.
• DISCUSS HOMEWORK PROBLEMS. These may include poor work habits, unfinished assignments or work your child says he/she cannot do.
• CHECK YOUR CHILD’S ASSIGNMENTS. Sign and date them, if OK with the teacher. However, let the teacher correct the work. Be sure to review papers and projects your child brings home.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What if my child says he finished the homework at school?

Ask to see the finished work. Have your child read or study something during daily “homework time” – whether or not he brings work home?

What can I do if my child still would not do homework?

State firmly and clearly that homework must be done each day. Do not accept any arguments, excuses or crying. Regular expectations will bring good results.

What if I think my child has a learning disability?

Talk with your child’s teacher or Guidance Counselor. They may recommend some tests and discuss possible changes at school.

HELP YOUR CHILD GET THE MOST OUT OF HOMEWORK!

• UNDERSTAND how homework helps your child learn.
• PROVIDE STUDY time, give attention and support.
• REVIEW STUDY PLANS and help your child organize time.
• WORK WITH YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER(S) and help your child succeed in school and in life!

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