Homework Help: K-2

1. Homework Help: K-2

2. The Ten Habits of Successful Students-Linda Mancini • They have a proper study area in their home. • They have all the books and supplies needed to do their work. • They have an established daily homework time. • During study time, they have the least amount of distractions. (No TV, video games, talking on the phone, etc.) • If they do not have homework, they use their study time to review their class work, prepare for future tests and assignments, or read for pleasure. • They divide information for weekly tests into small segments and study daily. • They take responsibility for getting the assignment and understanding the task. • They are rested and prepared each day for school. • They listen to their teachers and do all class work. • They put forth a positive attitude toward school.

3. The Purpose of Homework • Homework helps students… • Review and practice what was covered in class. • Get ready for the next day’s class. • Learn to use resources. • Explore subjects in more detail than classroom time permits. • Extend learning by applying skills they already have to new situations. • Develop good study habits and positive attitudes. • Learn to work independently. • Encourage self-discipline and responsibility.

4. What is the right amount of homework? • National organizations of parents and teachers suggest … • Children in kindergarten through second grade can benefit from 10 to 20 minutes of homework each school day. • Children in third through sixth grade can benefit from 30 to 60 minutes of homework each school day. • *Keep in mind that they are referring to the amount of time the child is actually focused and working.

5. What can you do to help your child with homework? • Environment • Provide a quiet, well-lit space, away from distractions. • Try to find a separate space for each of your children. • Provide them with all the right study materials. (Paper, pencils, books, dictionary, desk, etc.)

6. What can you do to help your child with homework? • Schedule • If possible, try to keep the same schedule every night…children like routines. • Allow for adequate study and free time each evening. • Provide time for your child to get some exercise. • Limit the amount of time your child watches TV, plays video games, and spends time on the computer. • Make sure your child is going to bed early enough…Getting a good night’s sleep is the most important assignment of all!

7. What can you do to help your child with homework? • Organization • Provide your child with a backpack. • Go through your child’s homework folder and help them clean it out each night. • Check your child’s assignment sheet or agenda daily to see what assignments need completed. • Make a homework plan with your child.

8. What can you do to help your child with homework? • Help • When possible, be available to answer questions. • Do a problem or two together. Then leave and let them try some on their own. • Set a timer for independent work time, then come back and check their work. • Avoid simply giving an answer. Instead, ask questions that let your child see the problem in smaller, sequential steps. • Review completed and graded assignments from your child’s folder with them. • If they have errors, make sure they understand why they missed them.

9. What can you do to help your child with homework? • Communication • Use your child’s assignment sheet or agenda to stay informed about homework assignments that need completed. • Share any concerns that you have about your child’s progress with the teacher. (Call, E-mail, write a note) • If your child is unable to do most of their homework by themselves. • Specific areas/subjects where your child may need extra practice.

10. What can you do to help your child with homework? • Attitude • Foster a “we’re in this together” vibe. • Divide and conquer. • Dangle the carrot. • Remember your goal. • Know when to quit. • Use incentives. (Sticker charts, contracts, etc.) • Your attitude matters too. • Be patient. • Take your time. • Don’t give up. • Practice, practice, practice.

11. Seven Ways to Help with Handwriting • Kids are not able to write well until they develop good fine-motor skills. • These improve easily with practice, practice, and more practice. • Try these activities to help your child develop the balance, precision, and hand-eye coordination that are needed in handwriting. • Give your child clay or play-dough. • Encourage play with Legos, miniature cars, small blocks, action figures, and other small toys. • Do puzzles together. • Provide creative art projects involving crayons, pens, scissors, finger paints, as well as tearing paper. • Play games with your child that involve the handling of cards and other small game pieces. • Ask your child to sort collections of loose coins into stacks of pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. • Help your child learn to manage everyday skills like tying shoes and buttoning clothes.

12. Help Your Child Do Well in Math • Make sure your child understands mathematical concepts. • Help them master the basic facts. • Teach them to write their numbers neatly. • Provide help immediately when your child needs it. • Show them how to handle their math homework. • Encourage your child to do more than the assigned problems. • Explain how to solve word problems. • Help your child learn the vocabulary mathematics. • Teach them how to do math “in their head.” • Make mathematics part of your child’s daily life.

13. Help Your Child Do Well in Reading • Read to your child for at least 30 minutes every day. • Listen to your child retell the story in their own words. • Play word games: rhyming words, same initial sounds, etc. • Play with educational toys together: puzzles, board games, card games, etc. • Talk to your child to improve speaking vocabulary. • Use flashcards to practice identifying letters and their sounds. • Play matching games to match capital and lowercase letters. • Use magnet letters to practice building and reading words.

14. Questions?