Homework Tips For Parents #2

Many parents have the expectation that their child's homework should consist of studying spelling lists, completing arithmetic questions or doing some other form of rote exercise. Unfortunately, these kinds of homework assignments do little to tie children's school learning to what is happening in their daily lives. This article will outline some homework tips parents and families can use at home to help their children make those all-important connections.

Reading

This is the single, most effective way for children to develop good language skills and, at the same time, it is an effective way for them to learn interesting facts about the world around them and relationships. Children should read at least 15 to 20 minutes a night - preferably with an adult. When parents read books, together with their child, they can facilitate the child's understanding of difficult concepts and vocabulary. Try to choose books from a variety of genres such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, mysteries, and science fiction, to name a few. Reading lists for age groups and grade levels can be easily found on the internet or at the local library.

Writing

Writing skills are usually the most difficult set of skills for the average student to master. Writing is the culmination of good language and speaking skills applied to the writer's knowledge base. Like any other skill, writing does require practice - a lot of practice. While these skills are taught in class, there simply are not enough hours in the school day to provide the amount of practice that is needed to develop all the writing skills necessary to develop confidence and succeed in school. There are a number of fun and valuable activities parents can do with their children at home. For example, a parent can encourage their child to write the weekly shopping list, write emails to friends and family members, keep a journal and even create their own greeting cards for special occasions. Helping your child to create and maintain their own, personal dictionary goes a long way to helping the child develop a sophisticated vocabulary. Most important is that the parent shows an interest in the child's writings and use the material as a means to carry on discussions (and even debates) about the content.

Mathematics

There are dozens of home activities that will help your child to develop facility with numbers. Again, the secret here is to be consistent, regular and interested in what your child is doing. Use the shopping list and a recent grocery store flyer to develop a projected cost of the week's groceries. Understanding measurement and capacity is made much easier when activities centre on carpentry, sewing or cooking.Of course, we cannot forget board games, many of which are excellent for reinforcing number skills and problem solving strategies.

Social Studies

By the age of 7 or 8, children are starting to develop an awareness of the world. Discussions about what is happening in other parts of the world are great springboards to mapping, social customs, languages and geography. A wall map can be used to locate and pinpoint places in the news and calculate distances between foreign lands and home. A travel journal is an excellent way to encourage your child to become more observant when on vacation. All of these activities involve the practice of important academic skills and, at the same time, make excellent souvenirs.

Communication

Good communication skills are essential, not only for success in school, but also for success in life. It is vital that a child learn how to express their thoughts and ideas in a manner that is easily understood by others. The activities listed above are perfect for setting an atmosphere that leads seamlessly into conversation. Avoid questions that require just one word answers. The classic is the question, "What did you do in school today?" and the answer, "Nothing." Instead, ask specific questions about what happened in a particular class or in a certain activity, field trip or recent assignment. Remember, if your child is reluctant to talk with you, then the first place you should look for improvement is at yourself. If you have a genuine interest in your child's world, then conversation should flow naturally. Once you and your child are at ease with conversations on a variety of subjects, then you are well on your way to providing a platform that benefits all members of the family - especially during the critical teenage years.

This article provides only few of the countless methods for helping your child with their homework and facilitating the development of sound communication skills. The more creative you are with ways to help your child, the more you both will benefit and enjoy family life.

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