Homework can seem overwhelming to many children. As a result they avoid doing it or leave it to the last minute and try to rush the job. Children need to develop good study habits and there are many ways in which you can help.

• Help your child get into the habit of using a planner for homework

• For longer assignments, work with your child to break it into manageable chunks and help your child work out a timetable for the component parts

• Practice outlining material - key ideas could be in point form on small pieces of paper which can then be put in order of importance

• Practice drawing conclusions - about TV shows, family activities/concerns/your child's opinions

• Practice sorting main ideas and details from everyday life

• Practice sequencing everyday activities

• Go over questions before reading the material, such as end of Chapter or unit questions; generate questions from unit goals or common sense (who, what, when, where, why)

• Practice paraphrasing material (saying it in your own words)

• Help your child learn vocabulary:

• content specific vocabulary - science terms, from a specific Unit, i.e. on the Inuit or Nature

• build vocabulary knowledge - descriptive words, figures of speech, multiple meaning words

Children also need a quiet place to work and it helps to have a regular routine. Doing homework on a daily basis, at the same time and place, can help a child to develop good homework habits.

Remember, your child must do the work, but your involvement and interest can make all the difference!!

Based on materials presented by Janet Doonkervort, S.L.P. in an OAFCCD Chapter workshop.