Use Checklists
Most of us have "To Do" lists that help us
keep track of the important things in our daily lives that we need to
complete. Help your child get into the habit of using a " to do" list.
Checklists can be used to list assignments or daily household chores. Have
your child cross off their homework on the assignment sheet in their blue
daily folder as they complete it. Crossing off things can be exciting and
fulfilling as they build a sense of accomplishment.
Set a designated study place
As your first grade child continues to adjust
to having daily homework responsibilties, now is the best time to set up a
designated homework area in your home. Children should study and complete
homework in the same place every night, have their supplies at their
fingertips, and be able to concentrate on what they are doing. This place
doesn't have to be a bedroom, but it should be a quiet place with few
distractions. They may want to study near a parent, which is great as it
allows for the opportuntity for you to be involved as well as encourage good
study and work habits!
Set a designated study time
Let your child know that a certain time every
day is reserved for homework and studying. The best time is not usually right
after school, as children need time to unwind after a busy day at school.
Include your child in making this decision. Even if they don't have homework,
the reserved time should be used to review the day's lessons, spelling words,
sight words, math facts, reading for enjoyment, or working on an upcoming
project.
Keep organized notebooks
Help your child be able to see all that they
have learned or are learning by keeping the important papers they bring home
from school in a notebook or folder. Don't feel the need to keep everything,
but the papers that show great achievements, or papers that need to be
reviewed could be kept for future review. Divide these into a binder using
dividers for the different subject areas.
Conduct a weekly cleanup
Encourage your child to clean out their
bookbags weekly. While the daily folder should be looked at daily, items that
are in bookbags should be removed at least once a week. You'd be suprised what
you might find inside!
Create a household schedule
Try to establish and stick to a regular
dinner and bedtime schedule. This will help your child fall into a pattern
while at home. Children with a regular bedtime go to school well rested. Try
to limit television watching and computer play to specific amounts of time
during day.
Keep a master calendar
Keep a large wall sized calendar for listing
the family's commitments, responsibilites and extra curricular activities.
This is also a great place to keep days off of school, and major events at
home or school listed. This will help keep track of everyone and limit
scheduling conflicts.
Prepare for the day ahead
Before your child goes to bed s/he should
pack homework/folders and books into their bag and place it by the door.
Morning confusion and stress can be avoided if clothes are laid out and
lunches are made. This helps insure that children arrive at school in a calm
and happy mood ready for another day of learning!