Why Do Homework? Immediate Benefits

Transcription

1 Homework Without Tears by Lee Canter and Lee Hausner, P.H.D. Book Synopsis and Expansion Presented by Dana Bauer Why Do Homework? Immediate Benefits 1.Better retention of factual knowledge 2.Increased understanding 3.Better critical thinking concept formation 4.Better information processing 5.Curriculum enrichment

2 Why Do Homework? Long-term Academic Benefits 1.Learning encouraged during leisure time 2.Improved attitude toward school 3.Better study habits and skills Why Do Homework? Nonacademic Long-term Benefits

3 1.Greater self-direction and self-discipline 2.Better time organization 3.More inquisitiveness 4.More independent problemsolving Should Parents Be Involved? Yes! Parent involvement is the single most important factor in student success.

4 Parents should support and motivate children with their homework. The process need not be horrendous. Homework without Tears can help! Provide A Successful Study Area Desktop or table Adequate lighting Quiet (no t.v., music, etc.) Distraction-free (no pets, friends, etc.)

5 Clean and uncluttered List of h.w. buddy phone numbers Supplies nearby (See Survival Kit) Homework Survival Kits Grades K-3 Pencils and pencil sharpener Crayons and markers Erasers Glue and tape Writing and construction paper Three-hole punch Stapler and scissors Children s dictionary

6 Paper clips Assignment book (3 rd graders) Books to read (or to be read aloud by an adult) Grades 4-6 Pencils and pencil sharpener Crayons and markers Erasers Glue and tape Writing and construction paper Three-hole punch Stapler and scissors Intermediate dictionary Atlas, thesaurus, and almanac Paper clips, white out, rub. bands Assignment book/sheet Chapter books or other books

7 Schedule Daily Homework Time Go to bed. 8:30 Take a bath 8:00 8:30 Free time (draw, play games, etc.) 7:00 8:00 Dinner 6:30 7:00 Soccer practice 4:30 5:30 Do homework 3:15 4:15 Eat a snack, pet the dog, zone out 2:45 3:15 Monday

8 If You Can t Be Home Grades K 3 Need someone there to help as needed That person knows what Daily Homework Time means and knows how to help. Grades 4 6 Child knows when Daily Homework Time begins

9 Phone home at beginning of daily h.w. time Child leaves h.w. out for you to review when you arrive home Parental Involvement Grades K 3 Check to see if child has h.w. Tell Child when Daily H.W. Time begins Check that child has all materials Ask what the assignment is Read directions together Check for understanding Do #1 together, if necessary Be available to answer q.s Praise child s efforts

10 Grades 4 6 Check to see that child is doing h.w. at proper time Suggest child call a friend if need help Give help only after independent effort Use study skills to help child work independently (Ch. 11) Praise child s efforts Praise Your Child Daily Grades K 3 Praise all homework efforts. Show that you are proud of hard work. Find lots of specific things to praise nightly. Grades 4 6

11 Each night praise child about some specific accomplishment Motivate Them! Only offer incentives after considerable praise has failed to motivate the child. Work with child to choose incentive that: -he or she cares about. -won t strain your budget or time schedule. Be consistent (days, weeks, months?). Phase out incentives.

12 Remember: Giving incentives is your choice. You Can Use a Point System Specific Expectations Kids can t lose points Cumulative effect Check in daily Achievable goal Increase goal/ expectations Remember

13 consequences finished cheerful independent Worked hard materials F H W T M Expectations Goal: 15 Points =

14 Ice Skating with Sarah Communicate Assertively The Broken Record Technique: Parent: It s homework time. I want you to start your homework now. Child: Just a few more minutes. I just want to watch just one more program, pleeeze? Parent: I understand, but I want you to do your homework now. Child You re not fair. You never let me watch t.v. Parent: I understand, but I want you to start your homework now. Child: Okay, okay. I ll do it.

15 * You don t have to resort to begging, pleading, or arguing with your child. Use direct messages and mean what you say. Back Up Your Words with Action Crying No matter how upset your child becomes, stand your ground calmly and follow through by insisting on your expectations. Parent: (calmly) Terry, there will be no t.v. until your homework is finished. (Child cries and whines)

16 Parent: (still calm) Terry, I understand how upset you are, but crying isn t going to help you get it done. (Child sobs and calls names) Parent: still calm) Terry, you can cry if you like, but you re still going to have to do your homework. The longer you choose to cry, the longer it will take you to do it. Back Up Your Words with Actions Anger Your child may react with anger to your demands regarding homework. She is trying to intimidate you into backing down. Do not let your child s anger affect you. Do not engage her in an argument. Remain calm, firm, and in control.

17 Parent: Ellen, please get off the phone. You know you aren t allowed to use the phone until homework is done. (Child snaps back, angry) Parent: (calmly) Ellen, I said you can t use the phone until you finish your homework. (Child yells and calls parent mean) Parent: (calmly) That s not the point. You have to finish your homework before you can use the phone. (Child says goodbye to friend and hangs up) Back Up Your Words with Actions Indifference Some children hope to manipulate their parents into thinking that

18 nothing can motivate them to do their homework. But he ll start caring when you follow through consistently with your demands. Parent: Derek, have you finished your homework? Child: No, and I don t care if I have to sit here all night. Parent: (calmly) It s your choice, Derek, but I hope you change your mind sooner or later. How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Can Talk READ THIS BOOK! (by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish) Helping children deal with their feelings Engage cooperation Alternatives to punishment

19 Encouraging autonomy Praise Freeing children from playing roles And more! Your Partner: The Teacher Don t hesitate to call Don t be intimidated Don t blame Contact the teacher if your child: cannot do the work doesn t bring home work does poor work doesn t finish work Is bored You Can Do It!

20 1.Homework is worthwhile. 2.Your involvement is key. 3.Provide a successful study area. 4.Organize a homework survival kit. 5.Schedule daily homework time. 6.Be available for help or check in. 7.Praise your child daily. 8.Motivate with incentives. 9.Communicate assertively 10.Back up your words with action. 11.Communicate with the teacher