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Forgetting to Hand in Homework?
Q: My sixth-grade son seems to leave his assignments in his locker. Finally, when he does complete it at home, the completed work again stays in his locker. He is an A/B student earning a D as a result of missing work.
A: Students in the middle grades often have one of two reasons for not handing in assignments: lack of organization, or a fear that success will lead to "not fitting in."
A calm, generalized chat with him about coming up with a solution may help you find the cause. Beginning middle-schoolers tend to have this problem as a group, especially if they have to change classrooms. Let's tackle the first possibility. Make sure your son has a folder (notebook) that has sections for each subject and at least one pocket folder in which to place assignments. For a couple of weeks, check that notebook with him each evening before bedtime to see if assignments are in the notebook. Encourage him to take the notebook to every class. Talk with the teacher(s) with him present and find out what they suggest.
Be patient and consistent and give him the responsibility of making the grade.
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Connie Collins, professional school counselor, worked for 35 years in public education as a teacher and counselor at the middle school and secondary levels. Collins worked daily with the parents of the students in her various schools, and has facilitated several parenting groups.
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