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- How can I help my child's struggle with homework?
- My child says he did his homework in school and doesn't need to study .
- My child is having problems with friends at school. How can I help?
- What can I do as a parent to help my child succeed this year?
How can I help my child's struggle with homework?
With minimal distractions and a concerted effort, your child should spend no
more than 45 min to 1 hour on homework, if that!! Help with directions, set
the timer and let your child know how long he has to complete a particular
assignment. When the timer rings, check the assignment. Give rewards for
completed assignments and consequences for those not completed. Don 't let
homework become a power struggle! If your child truly is struggling and you
feel the material is too overwhelming, come in and see me about it. I will be
happy to make adjustments where I feel it is necessary. Serious homework
struggle may indicate learning problems that parents and teachers need to
discuss. Often, when working in the classroom, your child may be able to
follow along with the class with few difficulties. During independent work
however, as is the case in homework, your child may exhibit weaknesses in
certain skill areas. These need to be discussed and oftentimes a learning
assessment may be indicated. As always, come and see me. Open communication
is the key to success!
My child says he did his homework in school and doesn't need to study .
Check your child's agenda and the website to make sure you are aware of his
nightly assignments. Ask your child to produce all the required assignments
so that you can check them for accuracy, neatness and spelling. Sit down with
your child's textbook/study sheet and begin questioning him/her on the
material. Make it clear to him/her that YOU will decide whether or not he/she
has a command of the material. Many children at his age lack the maturity to
understand the importance of doing your best. That is something that we as
parents must instill. If in fact your child DID do all his homework in school
and DOES have a good command of the material on his upcoming test,
comgratulate him for getting his work done in a timely fashion and for being
a good listener in class! By taking a few moments to double-check you are
communicating a valuable lesson to your child.
My child is having problems with friends at school. How can I help?
Be a good listener. Most often, your child just needs to "vent". Third grade
is a time when boys become more competitive and girls more socially aware.
Help your child by reminding them that they cannot control anyone but
themselves. Tell them to make up their mind every day that they will have a
good time with their friends. If this does not happen, perhaps playing with
someone else for a day or two may be all the space they need. If the problems
are more serious, please let me know about it. I may be able to offer some
insight into the dynamics here in the classroom. Above all, let your child
work these problems out himself/herself. When parents get involved with other
parents, small difficulties may escalate. Love your child and pray for
him/her every day. Let the Holy Spirit intercede.
What can I do as a parent to help my child succeed this year?
Most importantly, encourage your child to work hard every day and to be proud
of his/her accomplishments, however small. Make sure that your child is going
to bed at a reasonable time (9 - 10 hours of sleep is preferable!) and
getting the proper nutrition. Prepare a good breakfast, pack a nutritious
lunch - one that includes protein, dairy products, fruits and vegetables and
is free of unnecessary sugar and fat. Sit down to a healthy dinner as a
family. Time spent at the end of the day with family members is a vital link
that will support your child throughout his school years. Oversee homework,
check daily assignments and help your child to set up a calendar to plan out
long range assignments. Encourage physical exercise every day - it helps
clear the cobwebs from the brain. Most importantly, love your children and be
proud of them every day. Pray for them in the morning and at night and ask
God to bless them. You have done your job well!
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