Home Support for Parents/Guardians

Homework Tips

Source: http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/learning/homework.html

1. Know the teachers — and what they're looking for. Attend school events, such as student-led conferences, to meet your child's teachers. Ask about their homework policies and how you should be involved.
2. Set up a homework-friendly area. Make sure kids have a well-lit place to complete homework. Keep supplies — paper, pencils, glue, scissors — within reach.
3. Schedule a regular study time. Some kids work best in the afternoon, following a snack and play period; others may prefer to wait until after dinner.
4. Help them make a plan. On heavy homework nights or when there's an especially hefty assignment to tackle, encourage your child break up the work into manageable chunks. Create a work schedule for the night if necessary — and take time for a 15-minute break every hour, if possible.
5. Keep distractions to a minimum. This means no TV, loud music, or phone calls. (Occasionally, though, a phone call to a classmate about an assignment can be helpful)
6. Make sure kids do their own work. They won't learn if they don't think for themselves and make their own mistakes. Parents/guardians can make suggestions and help with directions. But it's a kid's job to do the learning.
7. Be a motivator and monitor. Ask about assignments, quizzes, and tests. Give encouragement, check completed homework, and make yourself available for questions and concerns.
8. Set a good example. Do your kids ever see you diligently balancing your budget or reading a book? Kids are more likely to follow their role models' examples than their advice.
9. Praise their work and efforts. Post tests or art projects on the refrigerator. Mention academic achievements to relatives.
10. If there are continuing problems with homework, get help. Talk about it with your child's teacher. Some kids have trouble seeing the board and may need glasses; others might need an evaluation for a learning styles.

Growth Mindset

THE POWER OF "YET"

What Is It?

We used to think that our intelligence was fixed - meaning we were either smart or we weren't. Scientists have proven again and again that simply is not true. Our brain acts like a muscle - the more we use it, the stronger (and smarter) our brain becomes.

Is Your Mindset Fixed?

A person with a fixed mindset may do these things:

• avoid challenges
• give up easily
• ignore feedback
• is threatened by other people's success
• try hard to appear as smart or capable as possible

Or is it a Growth Mindset?

A person with a growth mindset may do these things:

• embrace challenges
• give their best effort
• learn from feedback
• become inspired by other people's successes
• believe their intelligence can change if they work hard