Encouraging and Motivating

Things to say to motivate your student:

"Today, use your planner to identify what assignments you will complete. Let me know as soon as you've done that."

"Today, I'd like you to stick with your assignment until it's finished. If it gets too difficult, let me know before you get frustrated. I promise to stay calm while I help you."

"Today, let's try working for 20 minutes and then taking a 10-minute break." (Allow your student to set the timer so they feel more in control.)

Things to do to motivate your student:

Turn off the TV and other distractions during homework time.

Check on your student at reasonable intervals to make sure that they're not getting lost or frustrated.

Work together to set expectations and ground rules. Write them down and post them where they can be easily seen and referred to.

Praise is powerful! Reward your child often with words of affirmation and encouragement.

Find something productive but quiet to do while your student is doing homework. Model learning by reading alongside them.