Homework Helper
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Our Lady of Sorrows School Homework Helper
Learn how you can protect children's privacy online by visiting Federal Trade Commission's Kidz Privacy
OLS Top Ten Homework Helping Tips
- Set a daily schedule for homework and put the schedule where you will see it often. The best schedule and length of time will depend on your child.
- Pick a well lit, fairly quiet place for your child to study. Make sure that necessary supplies are on hand and, if it is possible, let your child decorate their space with their favorite handmade artwork.
- Remove distractions such as the television, loud noises and, if possible, noisy toddlers. Ideally study areas should be away from windows with distracting views.
- Set a good example by reading and writing yourself during 'study time' and encourage learning activities such as letting your child write out the grocery list.
- Show interest by reviewing your child's homework and talking about school activities in family conversations.
- Be available for questions and look over completed assignments.
- Children learn in different ways, and it will be easier for you to help if you understand something about your child's learning style.
- Help your child get organized. Put an assignment book or calendar in a place where you will see it often and record, or have your child record, when assignments are due.
- Encourage good study habits. Help your child get started early when he or she has to do research reports or other big assignments and give practice tests.
- Talk about the assignments. Talking can help him or her think through an assignment and break it down into small, easy-to-handle pieces.
Helpful Hints for Scheduling
A good schedule depends on your child's age, outside activities, temperament and learning abilities. For instance, one youngster may work best in the afternoon after an hour of play, and another may be more efficient after dinner. Outside activities, such as sports or music lessons, may mean that you need a flexible schedule. Your child may study after school on some days and in the evening on others. If there isn't enough time to finish homework, your child may need to drop some outside activity.
Older students will probably be able to make up their own schedule, but younger students will need some assistance. Write out the schedule and put it in a place where you will see it often, such as on the refrigerator door or in the student's study area. Monitor the schedule to make sure that it continues to fit your child's needs.
One way to tackle a schedule is to set a required amount of time that your child must devote to homework or some other learning activity each school night (the length of time will vary depending upon the child's age - see chart below). For instance, if your seventh-grader knows she's expected to spend an hour doing homework, reading or visiting the library, she may be less likely to rush through assignments so that she can watch television. A required amount of time may also discourage her from "forgetting" to bring home assignments, and help her establish a routine.
Grade Level Minutes Per Day Days Per Week Kindergarten - 3rd grade Up to 30 minutes a day Five days a week 4th grade - 5th grade 45 - 60 minutes a day Five days a week 6th grade - 7th grade 75 - 90 minutes a day Five days a week 8th grade - 12th grade 105 - 120 minutes a day Five days a week The amount of time your child spends on homework may vary from the above guidelines. It will depend on the subject, the complexity of the assignment, and your child's learning level. Talk with your child's teacher if you are concerned about either too much or too little homework.
Online Homework Resources
Using a computer is becoming increasingly common and sometimes necessary for children to complete their homework assignments. Computers can be a great learning tool and provide access to the many resources that are available on the Internet. Although, identifying reliable resources can be overwhelming for both parents and children. To help you get started, FCIC has compiled a list of web sites that can help you find online homework help.
Other Resources
Homework and Computers
These days many schools have computers in classrooms, and many households have personal computers. Ask you child's teacher to explain his or her policy about the use of computers and other electronic devices.
If the teacher allows students to use a computer, but you don't have a computer in your home, or if your family computer is being used by many family members, check with your child's teacher, the school library, and the local public library about using their computers. Some schools offer after-school programs where your child can use the school's computers. And many public libraries make computers available to children.