Homework Help: 3-5

The Ten Habits of Successful Students -Linda Mancini

They have a proper study area in their home. They have all the books and supplies needed to do their

work. They have an established daily homework time. During study time, they have the least amount of

distractions. (No TV, video games, talking on the phone, etc.)

If they do not have homework, they use their study time to review their class work, prepare for future tests and assignments, or read for pleasure.

They divide information for weekly tests into small segments and study daily.

They take responsibility for getting the assignment and understanding the task.

They are rested and prepared each day for school. They listen to their teachers and do all class work. They put forth a positive attitude toward school.

The Purpose of Homework

Homework helps students… Review and practice what was covered in class. Get ready for the next day’s class. Learn to use resources. Explore subjects in more detail than classroom

time permits. Extend learning by applying skills they already

have to new situations. Develop good study habits and positive attitudes. Learn to work independently. Encourage self-discipline and responsibility.

What is the right amount of homework?

National organizations of parents and teachers suggest … Children in kindergarten through second

grade can benefit from 10 to 20 minutes of homework each school day.

Children in third through sixth grade can benefit from 30 to 60 minutes of homework each school day.

*Keep in mind that they are referring to the amount of time the child is actually focused and working.

What can you do to help your child with homework?

Environment Provide a quiet, well-lit space, away from

distractions. Try to find a separate space for each of

your children. Provide them with all the right study

materials. (Paper, pencils, books, dictionary, desk, etc.)

What can you do to help your child with homework?

Schedule If possible, try to keep the same schedule every

night…children like routines. Allow for adequate study and free time each

evening. Provide time for your child to get some exercise. Limit the amount of time your child watches TV,

plays video games, and spends time on the computer.

Make sure your child is going to bed early enough…Getting a good night’s sleep is the most important assignment of all!

What can you do to help your child with homework?

Organization Provide your child with a backpack. Go through your child’s homework folder

and help them clean it out each night. Check your child’s assignment sheet or

agenda daily to see what assignments need completed.

Make a homework plan with your child.

What can you do to help your child with homework?

Help When possible, be available to answer questions.▪ Do a problem or two together. Then leave and let them

try some on their own.▪ Set a timer for independent work time, then come back

and check their work.▪ Avoid simply giving an answer. Instead, ask questions

that let your child see the problem in smaller, sequential steps.

Review completed and graded assignments from your child’s folder with them.▪ If they have errors, make sure they understand why

they missed them.

What can you do to help your child with homework?

Communication Use your child’s assignment sheet or

agenda to stay informed about homework assignments that need completed.

Share any concerns that you have about your child’s progress with the teacher. (Call, E-mail, write a note)▪ If your child is unable to do most of their

homework by themselves.▪ Specific areas/subjects where your child may

need extra practice.

What can you do to help your child with homework?

Attitude Foster a “we’re in this together” vibe. Divide and conquer. Dangle the carrot. Remember your goal. Know when to quit. Use incentives. (Sticker charts, contracts, etc.) Your attitude matters too.▪ Be patient.▪ Take your time.▪ Don’t give up.▪ Practice, practice, practice.

Developing Science and Social Studies Skills

By 3rd grade, students are no longer “learning to read.” They are now “reading to learn.” Both subjects ask students to apply

reading and math skills to a new concept or situation.

Students are asked to do critical thinking and reflecting when working on these subjects.

Developing Science Skills

Some at-home activities that build Social Studies skills: Bake a cake together and observe/talk about how the mixtures

change from powders to liquid to solid. Look at salt and sugar under a microscope or magnifying glass.

How are the crystals like? How are they different? Put a tulip or daffodil in water with food coloring and observe

how the water travels up the stem and into the petals. Make a bird feeder out of a milk container and observe the

different birds that visit. What are their colors and sizes? When do they come?

Take a nature walk and record the different kinds of bugs you see or collect a variety of leaves.

Observe clouds and notice differences in the ones that bring rain or thunderstorms and the ones that don't.

See if there are science museums or children's museums nearby.

Developing Social Studies Skills

Some at-home activities that build Social Studies skills: Talk about current events. Students should be aware

of the world around them. Do a “Who’s Who?” to name our President,

Governor, and other important figures. Allow students to read directions during a road trip

to practice map skills. Create a family tree or personal timeline to reinforce

that history is the study of something in the past. Visit local historical sites. (Meadowcroft, Fort Pitt

Museum, Heinz History Center, etc.)

Helpful Websites!

www.mathfactscafe.com www.abcya.com www.sheppardsoftware.com www.academicskillbuilders.com www.funbrain.com

Questions?