The Homework Routine
Kindergarten is the start of your child’s academic career. It is important to establish clear, positive homework routines now in order to avoid “homework headaches” later on. Here you will find some tips that will help you and your child establish a homework routine.
Find a quiet, comfortable place. This needs to be a place away from distractions like the television or computer, where your child can do his or her homework every day. Having a special place to do homework will help your child focus better as well as develop better organizational skills. (The kitchen table is often a great place to work!)
Create a “Homework Box”: Decorate an old shoe box or pencil case and fill it with the supplies needed to complete homework. Include pencils, a pencil sharpener, an eraser, crayons, markers, scissors, and glue sticks. Having all of the necessary supplies readily available will help avoid disruptions and will assist your child in the development of organizational skills.
Establish "Homework Time": Finding a consistent time to do homework can be challenging with soccer, ballet, and music lessons. However, make an attempt to complete homework around the same time each day. Your child will be tired when he or she comes home from school. Have a snack and a short break to rest and re-charge before tackling homework. Using a timer can assist children who struggle with time management. Children with shorter attention spans may need to complete half of the homework assignment, take a break, and then complete the rest. Of course, getting a good night’s rest is vital to your child’s temperament and development. Complete homework early in the evening. Have your child pack his or her backpack and be ready for school long before bedtime.
Be involved: Check your child’s folder every day. Examine the homework assignment, review schoolwork that has been sent home, and talk with your child about his or her day! Remember the time you spend establishing these routines will help avoid homework headaches in the future.
Stay positive: Kindergarten is the start of your child's educational career. Now is the time to set a positive tone for homework. Praise your child for his/her accomplishments, encourage him/her to practice skills in fun ways, and most importantly, know when your child needs to take a break.
Encourage your child to do his or her "personal best": In kindergarten, the purpose of homework is to help your child develop organizational skills, learn responsibility, and reinforce skills introduced in school. It is also a time to involve the parent in the academic progress. Your child’s homework assignment should take no more than 10-15 minutes. If your child has tried his or her best and is still having trouble completing the assignment in a reasonable amount of time, please feel free to contact me and I would be happy to help you. Homework is a time for your child to shine and show you what he or she is learning! Keep your routine consistent and help your child enjoy learning at home.
Read: It is extremely important to encourage and establish strong reading habits. Please set aside time to read to your child and with your child. An essential part of the homework routine must include time for your child to read the books in the “Book Baggies”. Becoming a life-long reader is a habit that develops over the course of our lifetime; help your child plant the seed, nurture it and encourage it to GROW!