Succeed

Organization

Organization is sometimes one of the most difficult aspects for students acclimating to 4th grade. While students have little difficulty keeping up with the additional workload, others struggle to stay on top of things. Since all children are different, there isn't one method that I've found that works for all students, however I do believe in the use of a daily planner. This planner will be a big part of your child's life this year. This is where we will as a class record our daily homework as well as any weekly or longer term assignments. The most important thing you can do to help your child is look at their planner on a daily basis. Check to make sure they are writing down assignments everyday. Have your child check off each assignment as it is completed and then have them show you their notebook when they are finished with their homework. The biggest reason I have found for students not doing well in my class is due to not doing their homework because they aren't writing it down or looking at their assignment notebook when they get home. Help your child to avoid this problem by helping them to stay organized.

Parents & Homework

I believe it is imperative that parents are involved and knowledgeable about what students are learning in school. One way for parents to help their child and stay involved is by helping with homework. Homework is an integral part of the education process. What I teach in school is important and homework is assigned in order to reinforce material that is covered in class. It's my way of knowing what students comprehend from the days' lessons and what still needs to be reinforced in school. If you are still wondering how you can help your child with homework, here are some tips from the US Department of Education. If you would like to read the entire article on homework and family involvement click here.

Tips

Here are some tips for helping your child establish a good homework routine.

1. Set a Regular Time.

Finding a regular time for homework helps children finish assignments.
It may help to write out the schedule and put it in a place where you'll see it often, such as the refrigerator door.

2. Pick a Place.

3. Remove Distractions.

Turn off the television!

4. Provide Supplies and Identify Resources.

For starters, collect pencils, pens, erasers, writing paper, an assignment book, and a dictionary.

5. Set a Good Example.

Children are more likely to study if they see you reading, writing, and doing things that require thought and effort on your part.

6. Show an Interest.

Talk about school and learning activities in family conversations. Ask your child what was discussed in class that day. If he doesn't have much to say, try another approach. For example, ask your child to read aloud a story he wrote or discuss the results of a science experiment.

Another good way to show your interest is to attend school activities, such as parent-teacher meetings, shows, and sports events. If you can, volunteer to help in the classroom or at special events. Getting to know some classmates and other parents not only shows you're interested but helps build a network of support for you and your child.

7. Monitor Assignments

Children are more likely to complete assignments successfully when parents monitor homework. How closely you need to monitor depends upon the age of your child, how independent she is, and how well she does in school. Whatever the age of your child, if assignments are not getting done satisfactorily, more supervision is needed.

8. Be Available.

Elementary school students often like to have someone in the same room when working on assignments in case they have questions.

9. Look Over Completed Assignments.

It's usually a good idea to check to see that your elementary school child has finished her assignments.