August 18, 2006, Newsletter Issue #80: Organizing Homework/Setting Priorities

Tip of the Week

A homework session should begin by reviewing what the day´s assignments are. It is probably a good idea to draw up a list of assignments on a separate sheet of paper, so that you can then help your child prioritize and break down longer tasks into shorter ones. The steps to follow might be:

List out assignments.
Make sure the child brought home the necessary books, work sheets, etc.
Break longer tasks into sub tasks.
Check to see what other tasks the child has to do which should be included on the list - including long term assignments, and tests later in the week for which the child should begin studying. Add these to the homework list.
Have the child decide what order she will complete the work. A good rule of thumb is to have the child begin and end with assignments she considers "easy," sandwiching more difficult assignments in between.
Estimate how much time it will take to complete the work.
Make sure you have allowed enough time for the child to complete all his homework allowing for break time as necessary.
Sometimes it is difficult for kids to complete homework because of other obligations they may have - sports events, doctors´ appointments, scout meetings, chores, family events, etc. You may find it helpful to put together a weekly calendar to keep track of these activities. Once a week (Sunday afternoon sounds good), sit down with your child and fill out (or review) the weekly calendar together. Then, as you plan your homework time each day, you can reference this calendar to allow time for the other activities your child is involved with.

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