Homework+Help

Guidelines for Helping With Homework So You Don't Work Harder Than Your Child! by Dr. Charles Fay > Set aside at least 30 minutes, devoted to "family brain cell development." > During this time, there should be no TV, video games, computer games, etc. > Model your own excitement for learning by reading a book, writing letters, > etc. > Your child may learn by doing their homework, reading about something they > love, writing stories, etc. > Some parents make the mistake of forcing help upon their kids. This only > creates frustration, anger, and kids who believe they can't learn without > their parents' help. > When either you or your child gets frustrated or angry, learning becomes > associated with frustration and anger. > This ensures that your child continues to believe that it's important to pay > attention to teachers. > Unfortunately, some kids learn that it's best to "tune-out" at school and > let their parents do all of the teaching at home. > Some children believe they can only learn something, or "get it," when an > adult is in the same room…or is guiding them every inch of the way. > To prevent this dependency, avoid falling into the habit of sitting at the > table as your child does their homework, especially when they are on the > brink of learning something new. >  THE CARDINAL RULE FOR HELPING: Never Work Harder Than Your Child.
 * Set aside a time each day for family learning.
 * Help only when your child truly wants it.
 * Help only when there's an absence of anger or frustration.
 * Help only when your child can describe what the teacher said.
 * Move away from your child before he/she "gets it."