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Physical Science can be a very demanding course as it blends both conceptual information with math and problem solving skills. Keeping up with homework is crucial to understanding the new material and keeping up in class. Help your child improve homework skills with a few helpful hints. What other helpful homework and studying tips should be added to the list?
Create a Personal Homework Space
Keep all the necessary resources handy here. Print out an extra copy of the formula sheet from Aspen so it’s always ready to be used.
Keep the area neat and clear so that you can spread out needed. Sometimes it’s necessary to use multiple sources of information like textbooks, notebooks, handouts and other papers.
Allow your child to decorate the homework area but also try to limit extra clutter. They will be spending a good amount of time in this space so it’s important for your child to feel comfortable here.
Try to set up a homework space the limits distractions such as TV, video games, or toys. This is also a good time to turn off and charge cell phones. A bedroom may not be the best location for homework space.
Keep a Homework Schedule
Students are very busy these days and it is important to balance of all the schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and family life.
Although it may not always be possible with games, practice, clubs and meetings, but try to set aside the same time each day for completing homework and studying.
Make sure to budget enough time to complete each night’s homework. It can take a little bit of time to get used to the high school schedule.
Keep track of long-term assignments. Due dates in high school can sometimes be weeks away from when they were assigned. Make a list of tasks that need to be completed with separate due dates for each task.
If a student has a difficult time getting started you can make a numbered list of the homework assigned that day. You can prioritize the homework or even just complete the homework assignments that are due the next school day.
Take Care of Physical and Emotional Needs First
It is hard to do school work when you are hungry or thirsty. Offering a snack and a healthy drink can help.
Using the restroom before starting on homework can help limit interruptions.
Take necessary breaks. A long session of homework or studying can be more tolerable with scheduled breaks. Take a 5-minute break between each subject or at scheduled intervals.
Use a Homework Buddy or Study Group
Have the phone number(s) of your student’s peers ready to go. If you get stuck on a question or problem you can always ask them for help. Working with a study group can be effective when preparing for an upcoming quiz, test or project.
Use the problem solving steps when tackling a challenging problem. The problem solving steps can be a great homework buddy.
Check Class Websites
Homework is updated every day on our Physical Science class website. If you forgot to write down the assignment you can always go to the class website to find out what was assigned. Many teachers post their homework online now, so you should have no trouble finding your assignments.
Teachers often post daily or weekly agendas online. Many times you can find out what topics and activities were covered in class. This is a great resource especially when you are absent from class.
You can print most class documents from the topics pages on our class website. This is especially useful when you lost any of the papers from class. You can also find copies of notes, labs and other information on this site. Many teachers now post this information online.
Check Your Student’s Work
Make sure that your student has completed all of the homework assignments for that day. You can verify the work he or she completed with what was assigned on the class websites.
Have your student give you a short explanation of what was learned in class. This can help you understand how much he or she understand or if there are questions that should be asked in class.
Other Resources
Mr. Wall's Physical Science Quizlet
20 Study Hacks to Improve Your Memory
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