Create routines for homework at the beginning of the year

Children who spend more time on homework, on average, do better in school. So ensuring your child has what she needs to do her homework is one of the best ways you can support learning at home.

Make sure your child has:

• A well-lit study area. This can be at a desk or table top. If at the kitchen table, make the kitchen off limits to others during study time. Turn off the television, too.
• A homework “Survival Kit.” Include pencils, pens, paper, tape, pencil sharpener, erasers, crayons, markers, glue stick, scissors, dictionary, ruler.
• Standby support. Get phone numbers of classmates your child can call with homework questions.
• A set study time. Which would your child prefer? Right after school, leaving the evening free to play? Or after an hour of play or after dinner?

Reprinted with permission from the September 2007 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2007 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: Michael Popkin, Bettie Youngs and Jane Healy, Helping Your Child Succeed in School: A Guide for Parents of 4 to 14 Year Olds, ISBN: 1-880283-15-8 (Active Parenting Publishers, 1-800-825-0060, www.activeparenting.com).