Homework Help: K-2

The Ten Habits of Successful Students -Linda Mancini

They have a proper study area in their home. They have all the books and supplies needed to do their

work. They have an established daily homework time. During study time, they have the least amount of

distractions. (No TV, video games, talking on the phone, etc.)

If they do not have homework, they use their study time to review their class work, prepare for future tests and assignments, or read for pleasure.

They divide information for weekly tests into small segments and study daily.

They take responsibility for getting the assignment and understanding the task.

They are rested and prepared each day for school. They listen to their teachers and do all class work. They put forth a positive attitude toward school.

The Purpose of Homework

Homework helps students… Review and practice what was covered in class. Get ready for the next day’s class. Learn to use resources. Explore subjects in more detail than classroom

time permits. Extend learning by applying skills they already

have to new situations. Develop good study habits and positive attitudes. Learn to work independently. Encourage self-discipline and responsibility.

What is the right amount of homework?

National organizations of parents and teachers suggest … Children in kindergarten through second

grade can benefit from 10 to 20 minutes of homework each school day.

Children in third through sixth grade can benefit from 30 to 60 minutes of homework each school day.

*Keep in mind that they are referring to the amount of time the child is actually focused and working.

What can you do to help your child with homework?

Environment Provide a quiet, well-lit space, away from

distractions. Try to find a separate space for each of

your children. Provide them with all the right study

materials. (Paper, pencils, books, dictionary, desk, etc.)

What can you do to help your child with homework?

Schedule If possible, try to keep the same schedule every

night…children like routines. Allow for adequate study and free time each

evening. Provide time for your child to get some exercise. Limit the amount of time your child watches TV,

plays video games, and spends time on the computer.

Make sure your child is going to bed early enough…Getting a good night’s sleep is the most important assignment of all!

What can you do to help your child with homework?

Organization Provide your child with a backpack. Go through your child’s homework folder

and help them clean it out each night. Check your child’s assignment sheet or

agenda daily to see what assignments need completed.

Make a homework plan with your child.

What can you do to help your child with homework?

Help When possible, be available to answer questions.▪ Do a problem or two together. Then leave and let them

try some on their own.▪ Set a timer for independent work time, then come back

and check their work.▪ Avoid simply giving an answer. Instead, ask questions

that let your child see the problem in smaller, sequential steps.

Review completed and graded assignments from your child’s folder with them.▪ If they have errors, make sure they understand why they

missed them.

What can you do to help your child with homework?

Communication Use your child’s assignment sheet or

agenda to stay informed about homework assignments that need completed.

Share any concerns that you have about your child’s progress with the teacher. (Call, E-mail, write a note)▪ If your child is unable to do most of their

homework by themselves.▪ Specific areas/subjects where your child may

need extra practice.

What can you do to help your child with homework?

Attitude Foster a “we’re in this together” vibe. Divide and conquer. Dangle the carrot. Remember your goal. Know when to quit. Use incentives. (Sticker charts, contracts, etc.) Your attitude matters too.▪ Be patient.▪ Take your time.▪ Don’t give up.▪ Practice, practice, practice.

Seven Ways to Help with Handwriting Kids are not able to write well until they develop good fine-motor

skills. These improve easily with practice, practice, and more practice. Try these activities to help your child develop the balance, precision,

and hand-eye coordination that are needed in handwriting. Give your child clay or play-dough. Encourage play with Legos, miniature cars, small blocks, action figures, and

other small toys. Do puzzles together. Provide creative art projects involving crayons, pens, scissors, finger paints,

as well as tearing paper. Play games with your child that involve the handling of cards and other

small game pieces. Ask your child to sort collections of loose coins into stacks of pennies,

nickels, dimes, and quarters. Help your child learn to manage everyday skills like tying shoes and

buttoning clothes.

Help Your Child Do Well in Math

Make sure your child understands mathematical concepts.

Help them master the basic facts. Teach them to write their numbers neatly. Provide help immediately when your child needs it. Show them how to handle their math homework. Encourage your child to do more than the assigned

problems. Explain how to solve word problems. Help your child learn the vocabulary mathematics. Teach them how to do math “in their head.” Make mathematics part of your child’s daily life.

Help Your Child Do Well in Reading Read to your child for at least 30 minutes every day. Listen to your child retell the story in their own words. Play word games: rhyming words, same initial sounds,

etc. Play with educational toys together: puzzles, board

games, card games, etc. Talk to your child to improve speaking vocabulary. Use flashcards to practice identifying letters and their

sounds. Play matching games to match capital and lowercase

letters. Use magnet letters to practice building and reading

words.

Questions?