1. SPACE: Try to establish a quiet work area with supplies (paper, pencils, rulers, etc) available. Since many children find working alone in a room to be too isolating, a “family” work area is a good idea, as long as there are clear rules encouraging good work habits. A parent or other adult should be available to answer questions and refocus the children as needed. Homework time is useful for parents to catch up on their own jobs (writing letters, paying bills, etc.) and allows them to model on-task behavior.

2. TIME: Children need homework time to be set in a routine, predictable manner. Parents should have the teacher estimate how much time should be set aside for homework. If possible, the same time each day is reserved for homework. If daily commitments vary, homework “appointments” should be set each week and written on a calendar. Homework should not be squeezed in when there’s time; it should have top priority. Some children do best completing homework in one session, while others need breaks. Once you know what works best for your child, try to schedule time limited rests into the regular work routine.

3. ORGANIZATION: Have your child explain homework instructions to you so you can be sure he/she understands what to do. Then encourage the child to decide the order in which each assignment will be done. Children are overwhelmed when too many books and papers are in front of them. Only materials being worked on should be visible. Make sure completed work is placed in the child’s backpack to be ready for the next day.

4. HOMEWORK HELP: It is important that parents are available to clarify directions or to help with specific problems. However, the purpose of homework is to practice skills that have been learned in the classroom. If you find that your child really does not understand the work, let the teacher know so the lesson can be taught again in school. Your role is to encourage, supervise and reinforce good study habits.

Dr. Myrna Silverstein is the consulting psychologist and child advocate for Rhode Island Tutorial and Educational Services. For more information: www.ritutorial.org