Homework and Hormones

In addition to the physical and emotional changes that adolescents experience,
Middle School brings its own challenges … homework doesn’t have to be one of them!

Turn Chaos into Control

" But Mom, I don't have any homework.!"

In order to succeed in Middle School, your child must learn to be the master of his own schedule and that includes homework. Your job is to help your child become organized.
If there is a pattern of no homework, check with your child’s teacher.

The Student Agenda

Help your child learn to use the student agenda for charting and tracking homework assignments.

• Every homework assignment should be entered into the agenda.
• Details such as subject, pages to read and due date should be included.
• Parents should check the agenda daily to make sure that assignments have been written down.

Homework Space

Create a “Study Friendly” Homework Space. Help your child learn to use the student agenda for charting and tracking homework assignments.

• Your child needs “space” for studying and homework.
• The study space should be away from the noise and confusion of normal
  family life.
• The study space should have: a good work area such as a table or desk (free of clutter), paper, pencil, pens, dictionary, thesaurus and good lighting.

Homework Schedule

Schedule a “study hour” for the same time every day.

• Consider sports, outside interests and favorite shows when scheduling homework.
• One hour is usually enough time, unless there is a special project.

Don't Procrastinate

Your job is to walk the fine line between nagging and enforcing the homework “rules.” Set an example:

• If your child sees that you are always putting things off, he will copy your behavior and apply it to homework.
• If your child sees that you tackle your chores first and postpone the “fun,” he will learn the importance of being responsible and organized.

Rewards and Incentives

Rewards work much better than punishment when teaching your child to do her homework on time.

• Don’t nag.
• Don’t threaten.
• Offer a positive reward, such as a card game or TV show, after homework is completed.

Missing School

It is your child’s responsibility to inquire about missing assignments. Your child should:

• Ask every teacher about homework.
• Use the “Buddy System.” Make a list of names and phone numbers of one child (buddy) in each of your child’s classes. Your child can then call a buddy to find out what was done in class.

Helpful Hints

Don’t do the work. Monitor and check!

• Don’t make corrections. Teachers need to see exactly what your child has or has not learned.
• Homework too hard? Talk to the teacher.
• Too much homework? Your child may not be using time wisely in class. Talk
  to the teacher.
• Too little homework? Talk to the teacher.
• When there is no homework, your child should spend the “study hour” reading
  or reviewing.
• Before leaving the school, your child should stop and look at homework assignments to know which books to bring home.
• The kitchen table, the floor or the bed can be good spots for doing homework, as long as it is comfortable and well-lit.
• Remind your child to take short breaks,
  if needed.
• Just before going to bed, your child should double check that all assignments are complete, in the backpack and ready
  to go.

Learning Styles

Every child has his/her own unique learning style. While everyone learns in a variety of ways, understanding these styles can help your child study more efficiently.