How To: Develop a Homework Routine

Though homework can be frustrating for both kids and parents, there are a few practical ways to save your sanity and keep peace at home. Ginger Joe, Ed.D., Ed.S., M.Ed., a teacher with Le Bonheur's Child Life team, offers some tips for developing an effective homework routine below.

Homework: the well-known subject that comes up when children get home from school. Even our tone of voice seems to drop an octave when we say, "homework." But homework does reinforce learning. It is known that homework gives students opportunities to practice, review and apply knowledge they learned in class.

Here are some tips for making homework easier for the family:

Show you think education and homework are important. Children are more eager to do homework if they know their parents care that it gets done.Set a regular time for homework. Remember, the best time is one that works for your child and your family.

Pick a place to study that is fairly quiet and has lots of light.

Have supplies ready for your child so that you're not frantically searching for them when homework time begins.

Set a good example by reading and writing yourself. Your child learns what things are important by watching what you do. Encourage educational activities. Go on walks in the neighborhood, trips to the zoo and encourage chores that teach responsibility.

Read with your child from a young age. This activity stimulates interest in reading and language and lays the foundation for your child's becoming a lifelong reader.

Take your child to the library and encourage him to check out materials needed for homework. Talk about school and learning activities. Attend school activities, such as parent-teacher meetings and sports events.

Encourage your child to take notes concerning homework assignments in case questions arise later at home. Use a homework planner where you can both track homework assignments and better plan for family events or traveling. Most schools?even elementary?have homework hotlines for parents to call and inquire about homework assignments.

Check on your child's work. How closely you watch over homework will depend on the age of your child, how independent he is and how well he does in school.

Provide guidance. Do not do the assignment yourself. It's not your homework--it's your child's. You should, however, offer guidance. Figure out how your child learns best. Knowing this makes it easier for you to help your child. For example, if your child is a visual learner, draw a picture or a chart to help with some assignments.