2.  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.

3.  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.

4.  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.

5.  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.)

6.  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!

7.  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.

8.  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.

9.  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.

10.  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.

11.  By 3 rd grade, students are no longer “learning to read.” They are now “reading to learn.”  Both subjects ask students to apply reading and math skills to a new concept or situation.  Students are asked to do critical thinking and reflecting when working on these subjects.

12.  Some at-home activities that build Social Studies skills:  Bake a cake together and observe/talk about how the mixtures change from powders to liquid to solid.  Look at salt and sugar under a microscope or magnifying glass. How are the crystals like? How are they different?  Put a tulip or daffodil in water with food coloring and observe how the water travels up the stem and into the petals.  Make a bird feeder out of a milk container and observe the different birds that visit. What are their colors and sizes? When do they come?  Take a nature walk and record the different kinds of bugs you see or collect a variety of leaves.  Observe clouds and notice differences in the ones that bring rain or thunderstorms and the ones that don't.  See if there are science museums or children's museums nearby.

13.  Some at-home activities that build Social Studies skills:  Talk about current events. Students should be aware of the world around them.  Do a “Who’s Who?” to name our President, Governor, and other important figures.  Allow students to read directions during a road trip to practice map skills.  Create a family tree or personal timeline to reinforce that history is the study of something in the past.  Visit local historical sites. (Meadowcroft, Fort Pitt Museum, Heinz History Center, etc.)

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