Andrea Mason 

School Psychologist

 

 

Office: (860) 584-7804 ext.131 or voicemail 137

 

email  Andreamason@ci.bristol.ct.us

  

Dear Jennings’ School Families,

Is homework a hassle in your house? Well, it is a typical problem that can be addressed with some helpful hints. Try some of these suggestions with your child:

Make a homework schedule.

This will tell your child exactly when to do his/her homework and remind them of the activities that come when homework is done. Hang the schedule on the fridge or in your child’s room so it is not forgotten. Be sure to include breaks after 15-25 minutes of continuous work time.

Encourage your child to have a snack and drink some water before doing homework.

Before your child starts their homework, try to help them clear their head with calm music or some quiet time.

Pick the hardest homework and do it first.

Save the easiest for last. This means that the more your child does their homework, the easier it will get.

Have your child set up a consistent spot where they can do their homework everyday.

When your child sits down, they can go into homework mode and, as time goes by, they will establish a routine. It is best if there are no competing distractions, like TV, near the homework area.

Remember, homework should not be a struggle, but an opportunity for children to practice skills learned during the day at school. If your child truly does not understand how to do their homework, do not feel obligated to make them finish. Have them try a few problems from different sections of the assignment, so their teacher can see the areas where they are having difficulty. It is likely that if one child is having a hard time, many others are as well. Encourage your child to ask questions the next day, so they are better able to succeed. Good luck!