Homework

1. Homework Mrs. Oole, Mrs. Arnold, Mrs. Light Parent Night

2. Why is homework important? Homework • serves as an intellectual discipline. • establishes study habits. • eases time constraints on the amount of curricular material that can be covered in class. • supplements and reinforces work done in school. • fosters student initiative, independence, and responsibility. • brings home and school closer together.develops confidence to deal with frustrations, overcome difficulties, and solve problems.

3. Interesting Facts • Parents who take an interest in their children's homework have a better knowledge of their child’s education. • Children who are able to complete assignments successfully are likely to develop a good working attitude. • Studies have shown that children who are supported by their families with homework are likely to perform significantly better in academic examinations at 16 years of age and beyond than those who do not.

4. How can parents help? • 1. Provide a quiet environmentProvide a quiet, well lit study area. Avoid distractions such as the television and loud music. Encourage other family members to be quiet and respectful of “homework time”.

5. 2. Have a Regular Homework Routine • Obviously household routines differ. Late at night is rarely a good time to study, as children are tired. You may need to be flexible if your child attends outside activities. Try to get a balance, but homework is a priority. If it is being rushed then consider reducing after school commitments or television viewing. • Having a routine helps avoid excuses such as "I'll do it after this program" or "I forgot." It is important that a child learns to take responsibility rather than having to rely on reminders. Also do not expect your child to work on an empty stomach. No-one works well when they are hungry.

6. 3. Praise Effort and Achievement • It is vital to praise a child for his or her efforts and achievements. Positive comments are more effective than critical ones. Building self-esteem is very important if a child is to try with school work.

7. 4. Show an Interest • Make time to talk about school in daily conversations. You can give your child a good start if you read with your child and discuss current reading books, at least up to the age of eleven.

8. 5. Provide Equipment • Ensure your child has basic equipment such as pencils, a ruler, erasers, and lined writing paper.

9. 6. Set a Good Example • Children's attitudes to homework are mainly influenced by their parents' guidance and examples. They are more likely to want to study if they see you reading and writing.

10. 7. Monitor Homework Obviously how closely children need to be monitored is dependent on several factors: • the age of the child • how able your child is academically • how independently your child is able to work • It is a good idea to check homework over. It is important to remember that the homework is not yours, but your child's. If you do the assignments you are not helping him or her to become an independent learner.

11. Making Homework Fun • Make homework the first priority after school.  Your child may beg and plead for 30 minutes of play, or a favorite cartoon show,...but stick to your guns.  Your entire household will be happier once the homework is completed. Use the weekly newsletter to plan the week’s assignments. It's much easier to monitor your child's completion of assignments when your know what the assignments are.

12. Try Classical Music.  It really does work like a charm and easily creates an environment where concentration can be maximized.  Create a competition between you, (yes you) and your child to see who can finish the assignment first.  Believe it or not, this creates a lot of laughs for both you and your child.  The competition aspect encourages your child to focus and work quickly which will ultimately help increase confidence and improve classroom performance.

13. Should I help? • Although children must learn that it is their responsibility to complete their assignments, sometimes they do need our help.  Ask them to try the assignment on their own first.  If they are still having difficulties then you can offer your help.  For good study habits to be formed, learning needs to be a pleasant experience.

14. Homework Musts • Write your name on every paper. • Use a pencil. No pens please! • Write on lined paper skipping lines. • Number sentences and abc order. • Use your best handwriting. • Have an adult check over your homework for neatness and accuracy.

15. Math • Sunshine Math provides children with opportunities to problem solve. • Children practice and reinforce skills already taught. • Children practice the math facts for speed and accuracy.

16. Reading • Creates a love of reading. • Increases reading comprehension. • Ask your child questions about what he/she has read. • Develops and enlarges vocabulary. • Discuss unknown words and concepts. • Increases reading fluency.

17. Character Education • Offers families an opportunity to discuss character skills in a systematic manner.

18. Let’s Have a Great Year!