Homework Help

In a past lifetime, at least sometimes its seems like one, I was a teacher. I can't believe it's been 6 years since I last stepped foot on school as a teacher. As the school year is now in full swing, I've heard many of my friends have some choice words for homework time. I very rarely offer my "teacher" opinion, since they are talking to me as a friends and not as a teacher. But, I figured I'd offer a few things to try out through the blog. Homework has been pretty seamless around here. Some of that has to do with Bailey loving it, some has to do with our routine. Here are a few suggestions to try out if you are dreading homework time.

1. The area

Setting up a homework area is critical. If you don't have a table/chairs or desk, the kitchen table or dining room area will do. But be consistent with where you do homework. If you're constantly searching for a spot, you've already wasted time they will be able to concentrate.

2. Routine

A must. Bailey and I walk home, everyone has a snack, then Raif has his nap. This gives me time to spend alone with Bailey and really concentrate on her homework. If you don't have a napper, then some quiet time or some other quiet activity will do, with the caveat that you are not to be interrupted.

3. Don't push it!

Most elementary schools are giving out weekly homework packets. This offers some flexibility on how you do homework. For instance, Bailey was so exhausted the other day, we finished 3/4 of her math papers, and then stopped. I knew she was too tired to concentrate, so we finished the other paper the next day. No biggie.

4. Read ahead.

I know, I know. It's not your homework. But, if you read ahead all the directions, you will know how to direct your child, and you will get any additional things you might need before you sit down. Again, this gets rid of any unnecessary distractions or getting up that would interrupt homework time.

5. The Stuff

If you walk into a classroom, a good teacher will have everything a student needs accessible, without having to get up every 5 seconds. The same should be for at home. This is Bailey's homework tray. In it are pencils, a box of crayons, scissors, erasers, glue, glue sticks, a ruler, index cards, marker (for me), counters for math time, and her homework folder. This stuff is only to be used for homework time, so none of it is misplaced and we don't EVER have to go searching for it during homework time.

6. Make it their own

Bailey had to decorate a box for her books she brings home from school. She also helped me organize the "stuff" as to where it should go. By making it their own, 1. They know where the stuff is. 2. They feel grown-up about making the decisions 3. It just seems more fun

Now, I might have organized it a bit differently, but hey, it's not my homework, it's hers.

Hope this helps. Happy Homework Time!