Study & Homework Tips

Homework Tips For Parents:

• • Attendance is a very important part of being successful with homework, studying, and middle school in general.  If a student is not in school, it is very difficult for them to keep with instruction and with assignments.  Consistent attendance is crucial to doing well in middle school.
    
    

  • Make sure your child is utilizing their agenda.  Each student receives an agenda on the first day of school.  This is useful for tracking assignments, keeping track of tests, and may also be used as a pass to be in the hallway if signed by a teacher.  This agenda also includes the Student Handbook, which details all school policies and contact information inside. Click here for an online version of the student handbook. This online handbook version does not include the agenda portion.

  • Work with your student on time-management skills.  

  • Always insist that your child has a consistent study time each day.

  • Set up a homework area that is free of distractions and has all of the necessary supplies.

  • Make the point that homework is the priority before going out to play, before TV, a game, whatever.

  • Supervise their work, but don’t fall into the trap of doing their work.  Be sure that they are asking for help, not answers.

  • Encourage and motivate but try not to nag.  Praise them to succeed.

  • Model as often as possible.  If parents can sit and read or do some of their own work, children learn that everyone has responsibilities and learning is lifelong.

  • No matter how tempted, do not compare your children’s performance with siblings, or other children their age.  What works for one, may not work for another.

  • Make sure your kids get enough to eat, and plenty of rest, no matter how old they may think they are.  Poor nutrition affects the ability to learn.  Sugar crashes result in limited concentration and reduced energy levels.  Lack of sleep adversely affects concentration, memorization, and the ability to stay alert and awake in class.

  • Always stay in touch with your child’s teacher, especially if homework is a struggle.  Use the agenda book or e-mail your child’s teacher if you have any questions. 

  • No matter how you feel about an assignment, show your enthusiasm and positive side.  Negativity toward school work will reinforce the same attitude in your child.

  • Work with your child on organizational skills.  Establish a place where library books and work should be kept.  See links below for help with organization.

  • Stay up-to-date on your child's assignments and exams by frequenting their teacher's homework websites.  That website is easily accessible above.
    
    

Homework Tips for Students

Although very few students love homework, it does serve a purpose. Homework helps you:

• • Reinforce what you've learned during the day.

  • Build study habits that are essential in college.

  • Prepare for your classes.

  • Get a sense of progress.
    Attendance
    Being in school is a very important part of being successful in middle school.  If you are not in school, it becomes very hard to keep up with assignments and classes.  Being in school is your job as a student!
    
    Set the Mood
    Create a good study area with everything you need (for example, a calculator). If you don't have a quiet place at home, try your school or local library.
    Know Where to Begin
    Make a list of everything you need to do, and note all deadlines. Do the more difficult assignments first, so you don't have to face them at the end.
    Study at the Same Time Every Day
    Even if you don't have homework every night, use the time to review notes. If sitting down to work is part of your normal routine, you'll approach it with less dread. Also, you'll become a pro at using time productively.
    Keep Things in Perspective
    Know how much weight each assignment or test carries, and use your time accordingly.
    Get More Involved
    Keep your mind from wandering by taking notes, underlining sections, discussing topics with others or relating your homework to something you're studying in another class.
    Organize the Information
    People process information in different ways. Some people like to draw pictures or charts to digest information, others prefer to read out loud or make detailed outlines. Try to find the methods that work best for you. Ask your teacher for recommendations if you're having trouble.
    Take Advantage of Any Free Time
    If you have a study period or a long bus ride, use the time to review notes, prepare for an upcoming class or start your homework.  Your advisory period would be a great time to catch up on assignments, get some studying done, or meet up with a teacher for some extra help.
    Study with a Friend
    Get together with friends and classmates to quiz each other, compare notes and predict test questions. Consider joining a study group.
    Communicate
    If you have concerns about the amount or type of homework you have, you may want to talk to your family, teachers or counselor. They can help you understand how much time you need to allot for homework and how to manage your tasks.
    Celebrate Your Achievements
    Reward yourself for hitting milestones or doing something well.