Grade 4

HOMEWORK TIP SHEET

This sheet is for you, the parents.  These tips will help you as you help your child build good homework habits and successfully complete homework. 

TIP #1: Set up a study area

• Students need a place at home in which they can do their homework. 

• This study area must be well lit, quiet, and equipped with supplies close at hand. 

• Consider the child’s learning style when setting up a study area.  For example, the child that needs no distractions should not complete homework in the kitchen while dinner is being prepared!

TIP #2: Create a Homework Survival Kit

• A homework Survival kit contains supplies that are needed to complete assignments.

• These kits should include the following: pens, pencils, pencil sharpener, paper, ruler, scissors, glue, crayons, markers, eraser, tape, stapler, and a children’s dictionary. 

• Respect this kit.  Don’t use the supplies for other family needs.

TIP #3: Schedule a daily work time

• Schedule a daily work time and help your child stick to it!

• If sport teams, music lessons, dance lessons, or other activities make it impossible to schedule the same time every day, record your daily work time on a calendar and post it on the refrigerator to remind your child of when you expect them to complete their homework.

TIP #4: Encourage your child to work independently

• Since homework teaches students responsibility, parents should urge their children to complete assignments on their own.

• By encouraging your child to work independently, you are helping them develop skills such as: following directions,   beginning and completing a task, and time management!

• Encourage your child to use reference books, such as dictionaries, to find information.

• Realize that your child might need your help if he has tried to complete the assignment and is having difficulty. 

TIP #5: Motivate your child with praise!

• Children need encouragement and support form the people whose opinions they value the most-their parents!

• Your constant praise will encourage your child to complete homework to the best of his ability and he will feel good about himself for doing so. 

• Each night, praise your child about some specific accomplishment.  For example: “I really like how you are doing your homework on your own!”