THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS
'NO HOMEWORK'
"I don't have any homework tonight." Sound familiar? Many older
students say this to their parents in hopes of spending the night in front of
the TV set, talking on the phone or hanging out with friends.
Some parents have made a rule: there's not such thing as a "no homework"
night. If there truly is no school assignment, make one up. Give your
children the choice to read a book, write a letter, go over their notes from
class or help a younger sibling with his or her homework during their regular
homework time.
When your kids see you mean business, they may suddenly "remember" that
they do have a little homework after all!
HELP YOUR MIDDLE SCHOOLER GET ORGANIZED
Is your middle schooler a little disorganized? If so, he's normal. He
probably has more responsibilities than ever before, and juggling them can be
difficult. Here are some ways you can help:
*Choose a regular time and place for studying. Help your child decide when
and where he is most productive. (In front of the TV is not an option.)
*Encourage your child to make daily to-do lists. They're great reminders, and
it feels good to cross off finished tasks.
*Insist on CONSISTENT use of the school Agenda Planner (or some other kind of
day planner). Your child should write down daily assignments for each
class as well as the dates for upcoming tests and projects. Let your child
know that you will check the planner nightly to make sure he is following
through.
*Teach your child to break large tasks into small parts. For example, if he
has a book report due in two weeks, list steps he'll take to complete it.
Include a due date for each one.
*Have your child clean out his backpack at least once a week. If he does this
over the weekend, he'll start every week organized.
*Use routines throughout the day. For example, your child might choose
clothes for the next day, make his lunch, and pack his backpack before bed.
*Set a good example. If you're organized, your child is more likely to be
organized also.
Source:Charlene C. Giannetti and Margaret Sagarese, The Roller-Coaster Years,
1997, Broadway Books.
MIDDLE SCHOOLERS NEED MORE SLEEP TO DO BETTER IN SCHOOL
The older kids get, the later parents let them stay up. But this isn't
what they need, say researchers.
When children are eight or nine, most only need eight hours of sleep.
But as they become teenagers, they need about nine and a half hours.
Those who don't get enough sleep become moody or depressed, can't
remember things or concentrate. And they do poorly in school.
To help children get enough sleep, see that they:
*Set a reasonable bedtime and wake time. Be consistent throughout the
week.
*Establish a bedtime routine-like reading or taking a hot bath before
bed.
*Cut down on caffeine.
*Exercise daily. Make sure exercise is at least two hours before
bedtime.
Source: "Teenagers and Sleep," Parenting of Adolescents,
http://parentingteens.about.com/parenting/parentingteens/library/weekly/
aao70500a.htm
