Homework Hints for Parents

• Assume that your children will have homework or studying every night.
• As much as possible, establish routines for completing assignments. This may include setting a certain time and finding a quiet place to work.
• Assist your children in gathering supplies that will be useful for completing homework. Store the items in a box or bin so that they are always available during homework time. You may want to include: pens, pencils, a pencil sharpener, glue sticks, a ruler, scissors, markers, sticky notes, colored paper, etc.
• Don’t do your children’s homework or them. Help them to learn how to do it themselves. If your child is having difficulty, work through some examples together.
• If you are not present during homework time, reinforce the idea that homework is important by asking to see your children’s work when you get home.
• Praise your children for doing well and trying their best.
• Contact the teacher if your child does not understand an assignment or is having difficulty. You may call, write, or email your child’s teacher to discuss your concerns.
• Help your children to organize their assignments by recording due dates on calendars or in their planners. This teaches the importance of planning and responsibility, which are important life skills.
• Keep a portfolio of your children’s best work or favorite pieces.
• Remember, your children’s teachers share your goal -- to help your children succeed.