Preparing for Back to School and (the Dreaded!) Homework

These days before the beginning of a new school year can become hectic and chock full of emotions for both parents and students, and teachers too! While our heads may tell us that getting back into a routine with a set family dinner and bedtime is a good idea, our hearts often are reluctant to let go of the more relaxed summer time schedule (or lack of). The desire to squeeze in one more beach trip, barbecue, or pool party often leaves us scrambling the night before the first day of school. No one really wants to say good-bye to summer! Despite this, there are some basic things parents can do to help their children prepare for the new school year, to start off with a positive attitude, and build excitement about the new experiences to come.

By now you probably have done at least some back-to-school shopping purchasing some new footwear, a backpack and lunch box, and some basic classroom supplies. This is usually the first step in helping to build excitement about the upcoming school year. Students can't wait to wear the new outfits and pack the backpack with all the shiny new tools! While your child is excited find small moments to talk to them about the expectations of the upcoming year. As they pack the backpack, discuss where the backpack and other items should be placed everynight to avoid the morning panic of "Where did I leave it?" One important step that is often overlooked is teaching your child to place completed homework into the backpack, and the idea that homework is not finished until it is placed there.

Purchase a few extra school supplies to keep at home and set up a homework station and decide on a standard homework time. Depending on your child's needs this may be an area right at the kitchen counter where they can work independently, but still have access to mom or dad for a quick question while dinner is being prepared. Other (more self-sufficient) students may prefer a more secluded area such as in his or her bedroom. Each homework station should fit the needs of the individual student, and must consider possible distractions such as a TV, video games, or younger siblings. Do you need multiple stations for more than one school-age child? Can they work side by side, or will they require space apart from one another? Does your child require a computer? Art supplies? Allow your child to have some input on this decision, and if after a few weeks you see that the station isn't working out, discuss the issues with your child and work together to solve the problem. This may need to be done several times throughout the year as schedules and needs change. The one thing that should not change is the expectation for your child to complete a quality homework assignment as independently as possible.

This brings up another issue about homework and how much is too much help? Parents need to keep in mind that all homework is intended for one of four purposes; practice of a new skill, review of an established skill, research, or unfinished classwork. Knowing the purpose of the assignment is the first step in answering the above question. It is understandable that an assignment that includes research will likely require more support than the others. This support could be anything from a trip to the library, to locating relevant information on the Internet, to narrowing a long reading passage down to a few important ideas.

The next type of assignment that may require more support is review, particularly if the review is in preparation for an upcoming test or quiz. In this case, parents would do well to allow their child to work independently for some time before sitting with him and checking over the material. Usually some simple questioning will give parents an idea of which skills their child is proficient with, and which ones require more practice. Spending a few minutes of focus time on those less proficient skills over several nights will make the most of the preparation time. However, avoid spending hours and hours reviewing skills and let the teacher know if your child is not progressing. Avoiding such frustrations will go a long way in helping your child maintain a positive attitude about school. This would be an appropriate time to jot a note to the teacher just to let him or her know what your experience was like as you worked with your child. Very often, the teacher may already be aware of this struggle, and will want to address this with your child in a small group or individual meeting.

The types of homework assignments that should require the least support are unfinished classwork and practice of a new skill. In these situations teachers are often using these assignments as a gauge on how to progress future lessons, and not as a measure to assess and grade the individual student. If students are getting too much support on these types of assignments teachers may presume a student has achieved proficiency on a skill with which he or she really needs more classroom support. In this scenario a student is less likely to get that support.

Keeping track of how long your child is spending engaged in homework will be good information to share with the teacher during conferences. In fourth grade, nightly homework should (ideally) be under an hour, including a reading time of at least 20 minutes. If your child is consistently spending more than this and is working diligently, parents will want to bring this to the teacher's attention. On the other hand, if your child is spending two hours on homework, but is doing more playing or daydreaming than work, a discussion about expectations, a change in the homework station, or a reward system for timely (quality) completion may be necessary.

It is most important for parents to keep in mind that struggles are a normal part of the learning process and some struggling is to be expected. Avoid giving answers and let your child think and persist. If they aren't successful on that particular night, this is important information for the teacher. And one more thing....Never, ever, ever do your child's homework for them. Never.  Make sure you know what is required of your child and be vigilant in supporting him or her to meet those requirements. Most teachers either have students complete an assignment pad or put homework on a class web site. Knowing the teacher's homework policies and intentions is vital in order for parents to support their child and help keep a positive outlook on both school and the homework that comes along with it!

Now, pack that backpack and be off to a fabulous fourth grade year!

To read more about the Back to School transition:

Summer Reading

Aahhh...summer. There's no other time of year quite like it. A time to slow down the pace, breathe a little deeper, and reconnect with family and friends. While doing away with the regiment of the school year may be necessary, one important factor should not be ignored. Students still need to practice the reading, writing, and math skills they have acquired to prevent what could be as much as a three month regression. The key is make it fun, or make it rewarding. Kids don't have to give up their whole summer! Nobody is asking for that!



In as little as 15 minutes a day, skills can be practiced and kept fresh. Many schools now send home reading and math assignments for summer. Don't let your child turn this into drudgery or let them percieve this as torture or punishment. Put a positive spin on it. For example, parents might try making this part of the waking up routine; before the TV goes on, or the phone rings, or the computer boots up, spend 15 minutes on the skill of your choice, and then get on with your day! When the TV or computer is being used, require 15 to 30 minutes of educational activity, such as The History Channel, The Discovery Channel, or NOVA. There are many web sites for students where they can listen to a book, practice geography, and math skills, often in a game format. Perhaps the most important part is your (Mom and Dad!) attitude toward this important summer practice. If you, as the parent, accept the importance and present this to your child in a positive manner, your child is more likely to accept the challenge. If not, there is nothing wrong with setting up a reward system where children earn small rewards and privileges for successful work. Just be sure to focus on work quality. Be careful not to send the message that completion is the most important goal when quality of work and good effort are as important! Think of it as their pay day...they worked well, they get paid. School is after all their job, and they need to understand the responsibility they have to be the best student they can be....all year long. Then when the work is done....get outside and have some fun! Or better yet, enroll in an activity that will provide new experiences for your child, whether in science, math, reading, music, art, sports, or the environment. Summer is a great time to expand the minds of your children!

Be sure to download your child's summer reading and math packets:

Packets for all grades 3-5



Here are some other helpful links :

Parent Resources "Empowering Parents"

Just Right Books

Creating a Home Library

Or go to my class web site for more information:

My class web site and click on "Summer Reading"