Homework
Helping Your Child Study
* Establish a Routine. Setting a regular time and sticking to it helps
children complete their homework assignments.
* Set the Mood. Ensure the room your child studies in is quiet, has plenty
of light, and has school supplies close at hand. Remove distractions by turning
off the television and discouraging social phone calls during homework time.
* Show an Interest. Ask your child about school activities and talk about
what was discussed in school that day. Take your child to the library to check
out materials for homework, and make time to read with your child as often as
you can.
Monitoring Homework Assignments
* Be Informed. Find out about the school's policy on homework at the
beginning of the school year. Ask your child's teachers about the kind of
assignments that will be given and what kind of time frame the children have to
complete them.
* Be Involved. Ask the teacher how you can help with homework. Be available
to answer your child's questions, look over completed assignments, and encourage
your child to share returned assignments so you can read the teacher's comments.
Providing Guidance to Homework Assignments
* Learn How Your Child Learns. Understand your child's learning style and
develop routines that best support how he or she learns best.
* Encourage Good Study Habits. Help your child get organized. Ensure your
child has scheduled enough time to complete assignments.
* Talk. Discuss homework with your child. Talking about an assignment can
help your child think it through and break it down into small, workable parts.
* Provide Encouragement. Find ways to support your child's efforts in
completing assignments.
Reading with Your Child
* Make Reading a Priority. Let your child know how important it is to read
regularly. Establish a regular time and place for reading.
* Read to Your Child. Make time to read to your child on a regular basis. It
is a great way to help develop a love of learning.
* Ask Your Child to Read to You. Have your child read aloud to you.
* Keep Reading Material Close By. Make sure children's books and magazines
are easily accessible. Keep a basket of books in the family room, kitchen, or
your child's bedroom to encourage him or her to read more often.
* Visit the Library. Make visits to the library a regular activity and let
your children select their own books.
* Be a Reading Role Model. Read a lot. Let your child see you read and hear
you talk about your books.
Avoiding Conflict
* Listen. Encourage your child to talk about school, social events, other
kids in class, the walk or ride to and from school so you can identify any
issues he or she may be having.
* Look. Watch for symptoms that your child may be a bullying victim. Be
aware of signs such as withdrawal, a drop in grades, physical signs, or needing
extra money or supplies.
* Work with Others. Tell the school immediately if you think your child is
being bullied. Work with other parents to ensure that the children in your
neighborhood are supervised closely on their way to and from school. Talk to the
teacher or school's guidance counsellor for some professional advice.
Helping Your Child Prepare for High School
* Educate Yourself. Find out the requirements, choices, and processes
involved in planning your teen's senior high school program with your child's
teacher. Your teen will need your assistance and advice.
* Plan Carefully. Some Grade 10 courses are prerequisites for more advanced
high school courses. As well, certain programs enable students to meet entry
requirements for post-secondary programs or acquire the knowledge and skills to
enter directly into a career. Keep future goals in mind when planning grade 10
programs.
* Prepare for Post-Secondary. If your teen intends to enter a post-secondary
institution after high school, check the calendars of these institutions for
admission requirements to plan his or her senior high school program
accordingly.
