Back to school means more than fresh notebooks and new crayons. With a new teacher comes homework assignments! Each teacher has her own homework policies, and many also send home forms to be completed throughout the year. Here’s how to keep it all straight.
Get a folder for homework related notes and policies. Put any reading lists, book clubs, and instructions in the pocket so they always will be handy. Often, teachers provide phone numbers, e-mails, and even websites that students can use. Keep it all together to stay organized! If you have more than one child, color-code the folders for easy reference.
There are many websites that are geared for homework help, as well. Make a list of useful places on the web, and keep it in your homework folder. Print out the library’s phone number, address, and hours of operation and save that, too.
Make it easy for kids to find what they need to complete assignments. Buy extra pencils, scissors, rulers, or whatever your children will use at school, and keep them at home so they can complete assignments. Put it all in one place – a drawer in the kitchen, or a shoebox on the shelf, so everyone knows where to find needed supplies. Homework time is much smoother if kids don’t have to hunt all over the house for a pencil sharpener!
Make a policy, and stick to it. Decide when you want your kids to finish their assignments. Some parents want homework done directly after school, while the knowledge is still fresh in their children’s minds. Some parents may want to give their children a break and a chance to relax after a day spent inside. Figure out what works best for your family, and make it a routine.
Homework will probably never be happy, but it can be less stressful!