Study Skills Resources
Study Skills Resources to Help Families Help their Student
- What is my child learning? This link takes you to the portion of our website that includes the learning frameworks that teachers use to plan grade-level curriculum. There is also a link to family guides which is an easy-to-read summary of the most important things that will be covered in your student’s grade. This is available in multiple languages.
- Tips for parents on ways you can support your student (from PBS Kids).
Homework Pointers for Parents
- Decide with your child what “time” works best. For example, some students might need some recreation time before completing homework, while others may want to complete homework right away.
- Set up a homework-friendly area. Make sure your child has a well-lit place to complete homework. Keep supplies — paper, pencils, glue, scissors — within reach.
- Schedule a regular study time. Some children work best in the afternoon, following a snack and play period; others may prefer to wait until after dinner. Either way keep it consistent. Some children may be early risers and may benefit from doing homework in the morning.
- Help them make a plan. Create a work schedule or agenda to complete assignments, take time for a 15-minute break every hour, if possible. On heavy homework nights or when there’s an especially hefty assignment to tackle, encourage your child to break up the work into manageable chunks.
- Make sure your child does their own work. Children learn when they think for themselves and make their own mistakes. Parents can make suggestions and help with directions. But it’s a kid’s job to do the learning.
- Be a motivator and monitor. Ask about classwork, learning topics, quizzes, and tests. Give encouragement, check over completed homework together, and make yourself available for questions and concerns. Keep it positive!
- Set a good example. Do your children ever see you diligently balancing your budget or reading a book? Talk through your challenges and how you resolved issues. Children are more likely to follow their parents’ examples than their advice.
- Praise their effort, not just their successes. Post art projects, writing pieces, math work, etc. on the refrigerator. Let your child over-hear you talk to relatives, friends and neighbors about how hard your child is working to do their best!
- Each child is a unique individual and may proceed with homework in their own way. The pointers are only intended to be suggestions. Homework should be a healthy balance for your child and your family. As always, find out why your child may be having problems with homework by keeping in close contact with the child’s teachers. It may be necessary to make adjustments to the assignments or deadlines to help your child meet with success.