by: Lindsay Hutton
Team Effort
Five Minute Fun Break
Homework Completion Chart
Some of our readers reward their child with a small prize when he completes the chart, while others simply allow bragging rights. Whichever way you choose, be sure to recognize his accomplishment.
Share the Reading
Make the information or story as interesting as possible, pausing to reinforce the concepts presented. This will help keep your child engaged and interested in the assignment.
Soft Music
Test Me
This strategy also helps to take the focus off your child, and puts it on you, the parent, instead. Your child may feel a sense of authority in correcting you, and you'll be happy knowing he is learning the material.
Scented Strategy
When test day comes, have her wear the same scent she wore when studying — it could help her remember the material.
Homework Box
When homework time comes, your child won't be able to use missing supplies as an excuse to get off track. To make it extra special, put a little treat in his homework box, just to let him know you're thinking of him.
Book Report Helper
Get several sheets of lined paper and staple them together to make a booklet.
Each time your child finishes reading a chapter, ask him to write one or two sentences to describe what happened in that chapter. Have him read what he wrote about previous chapters before beginning a new one. This will help him to remember what is happening in the story.
When your child finishes the last chapter, have him write a few sentences to describe how the book ended. He'll end up with a full summary of the book to help him write his book report.
Homework Behavior Plan
Once you have brainstormed ideas to make homework time more productive, write up a contract with your child that implements the agreed-upon strategies. Every time a strategy is used successfully, award points towards a reward.
