For each subject, whether your child has been given homework or not, make
sure he reviews his notes. This will mean that when a big test or an end of unit
test comes up, he will be prepared to study for it. This will also help him be
ready for the next lesson, and ready to ask any questions on information he does
not understand.
Make sure your child’s notes are complete. Have her highlight or underline
the most important points. Messy notes should be rewritten or typed.
At least once a week have your child empty his schoolbag so it can be neat
and organized. You will be amazed by what he might find! Often, some “lost”
notes or homework will show up just in time. For this reason, it is best to have
your child do this in the middle of the week, Wednesday night is best. After a
little while, your child will become naturally neater.
If your child gets stuck on a particular piece of homework, have her leave it
and move on to the next piece. Otherwise, her frustration will rise and make
matters worse. Have her go back to the piece she left after a while. Things
might be clearer then.
Your child should use his school planner or his own schedule to anticipate
what he will need to be doing soon. Encourage him to do a little bit extra, even
when he seems to be finished with the homework for that day. If a test is coming
up, make sure your child doesn’t leave studying to the last minute.
If research is involved in a project, be careful about how your child uses
the Internet. The Internet is a valuable resource, but it can be very
distracting. Your child may get sidetracked and waste time going from topic to
topic. Every now and then, take your child to the library to do research. She
will find valuable information and learn many useful research skills.
Help your child learn to use a computer effectively to apply to his
schoolwork. Let him experiment with PowerPoint, Publisher, Front Page, and other
programs. Help your child learn to type efficiently and use Word correctly.
Install appropriate audio books on his iPod and watch the Discovery Channel and
other educational television programs with him.
This is going to be trial and error at the beginning, but for any subject and
homework assignment, your child will have to find what works best for her If
positive results are not occurring, there is something she may not be doing
right. Some children may have to rewrite their notes to remember facts, others
might have to read them aloud, while still others might need to act them out or
build something. Once the right way is found, learning will improve.
Your child must learn to prioritize the things he need to do. Schoolwork and
extracurricular activities must come first. Make this very clear to your child
and help him stick to this priority.
This applies to you as parents as well as to your child. If there is any doubt about an assignment, contact the teacher. Encourage your child to ask the teacher if she is unclear about something. Your child can do this after class or the next day. Doing this will also help your child to develop important communication skills and build her self-confidence.