When your child does homework, you do homework

Show your kids that the skills they are learning are related to things you do as an adult. If your child is reading, you read too. If your child is doing math, balance your checkbook.

Word Processing for Beginners

(this tip is for younger students)

Using a computer to write is fun and easy. And you can make what you write look awesome!

Start by writing your paper. Maybe you have to write about your dog. Tell something general about your dog, like why you think your dog is the best dog on your street. Then tell some details like what kind of dog you have, what it looks like, and how you got your dog. You might say something funny, like what your dog does that isn´t so wonderful.

After you have your paper written, then you can make it loook good. Use the spell checker. Then you can use the format menu or the tool buttons to change the way your paper looks.

Make the letter size a 12 or 14. Use bold for the title. Underline any book titles. Use italics to show off something. Change the color of words to be creative.

Have fun with your computer. It can help you write better.

Make sure your child has a quiet, well-lit place to do homework.

Avoid having your child do homework with the television on or in places with other distractions, such as people coming and going.

If homework is meant to be done by your child alone, stay away.

Too much parent involvement can prevent homework from having some positive effects. Homework is a great way for kids to develop independent, lifelong learning skills.

Hard homework, easy homework...

Help your child figure out what is hard homework and what is easy homework. Have your child do the hard work first. This will mean he will be most alert when facing the biggest challenges. Easy material will seem to go fast when fatigue begins to set in.

Stay informed about your child´s school assignments.

Talk with your child´s teacher. Make sure you know the purpose of homework and what your child´s class rules are.

Give them the means to succeed

Make sure the materials your child needs- such as paper, pencils, dictionary, Internet access- are available.

Ask your child if special materials will be needed for some projects and get them in advance.

What about time management?

Establish a set time each day for doing homework. Don't let your child leave homework until just before bedtime. Think about using a weekend morning or afternoon for working on big projects, especially if the project involves getting together with classmates.

Provide Guidance, not answers

When your child asks for help, provide guidance, not answers. Giving answers means your child will not learn the material. Too much help teaches your child that when the going gets rouch, someone will do the work for him.

When the teacher asks that you play a role in homework, do it.

Cooperate with the teacher. It shows your child that the school and home are a team. Follow the directions given by the teacher.

Be Positive About Homework

Tell your child how important homework is to school performance. The attitude you express about homework will be the attitude your child acquires.