Make Doing Homework a Positive Experience

· Provide support and praise for homework completion.

· Be available to provide non-critical assistance.

· Give children choice in when, where, and how they complete homework assignments.

· Encourage your children to complete homework well enough that they have a sense of pride and control over their own learning and levels of competence.

· Maintain a positive and helpful attitude: avoid criticism and anger.

· Help children understand what types of homework they enjoy, and encourage them to choose assignments accordingly. When given a choice, some students prefer written reports; others prefer hands-on projects.

· Use homework preferences in developing a homework schedule. Some children prefer to complete the assignments they like least first, while others prefer to do their easier or favorite work first.

· If a child dislikes a subject, find ways to make it less frustrating. For example, set a goal of doing five math problems and then taking a stretch, listening briefly to music, or playing with a preferred game or toy.

· Encourage your children to participate in study groups with friends. Research shows that children who form study groups perform better than children who always study alone. This is particularly appropriate with middle school and high school students.

· Encourage your child to have fun, such as eating a snack, calling friends, starting an activity, playing a computer game, or watching a favorite show when homework is finished.

· Never use homework as a punishment.

· Be a good listener, and encourage your child to ask questions about things that are hard to understand.

· Set aside time for your children to share the skills and information they are acquiring with you.

· Help children study for tests by quizzing them on the material in a friendly manner. "Drive time" in the car is a great setting for this.

· Have your children imagine themselves as excellent students. Then brainstorm what needs to be done to make that a reality.

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