Elementary Homework Tips
from Mrs. Waters

Homework should not be a battle. Here are some steps you can take to encourage your elementary-age child to take responsibility for his own homework assignments.

Remove distractions - Do homework in a quiet place that does not have distractions. Turn off the TV; don't expect your child to do homework in a room where siblings are playing.

Establish a routine - Set a specific "homework time" such as right after supper. Require that homework be complete before your child can watch TV, use the phone, etc.

Prioritize - Encourage your child to work first on those assignments that are due tomorrow. Then tackle the tasks that are due later. Help your child plan his studying so that projects are not left until the last minute. An assignment book can be a big help with this.

Check understanding - Be sure your child understands new assignments before he or she starts working on them. This one can save lots of late-evening tears!

Guide, but don't correct - If your child needs help, offer ideas that can help her sort out the problem, but don't give her the answers.

Get organized for tomorrow - Remind your child to pack the backpack before going to bed. Even the best homework effort doesn't do much good if it's left on the kitchen table!

Tips from Mrs. Waters
for Reluctant Readers

Do you have a reluctant reader? These strategies can help:

Look at each book before your child starts reading it. Guess what might happen and who the characters might be. When your child finishes the book, let him or her tell you whether your predictions were accurate.
 

Let your child see that reading is important to you. Make time to read while your child is reading.
 

Build your child's vocabulary. Introduce new words each day and use them!
 

Music and rhymes help young children develop strong reading skills, especially when reading aloud.
 

Encourage reading with a reading chart using stickers or other indicators of your child's progress. Remember, too, that there is no substitute for praising success at reading.

Reading Tips
from Mrs. Waters

Please encourage your children to read!

Building strong reading skills and an interest in reading is one of the most important things parents can do for their child's academic development. There are many ways to help children develop an interest in reading.

Let your child choose a book to read. Fiction is fine, but non-fiction titles - biographies, science, and history - are also great topics.

Show that you like to read. Set aside some time each week to read a book of your choice while your child reads also.

Read a story to your elementary-age child. Try reading a chapter each night at bedtime for a great evening routine.

Visit your public library regularly. It's the world's best entertainment value!

Let your child build his own library by setting a shelf aside for his or her "special" books.

Thank you. - Mrs. Waters

The information and tips above are from www.teachersandfamilies.com
Graphics by Honeybrook