Community Magazine October 2010

44 Community magazine The Shaatra Files (shõ•trä) n . An outstanding homemaker [Arabic] T his year will be different. The kids will do their homework on time, by themselves and with unreserved cheerfulness. Okay, so maybe the last part is an exaggeration, but with the right planning, the rest really is possible. Creating a great homework system takes time, patience and consistency, here’s how… Know your Place Parents need to be supportive, helpful, and encouraging. Resist the urge to give kids the answers and do the work that they should be doing. We can cheerlead in the background, but the child should be leading the band. Optimally, we should provide them with the tools they need to succeed, with as little intervention as possible. One of the most important skills kids get out of homework is learning to read and follow directions independently. They can learn to effectively manage and budget time. They can learn to prioritize and learn commitment and independence. Ideally, the more children practice these skills, the greater their self pride and work ethic. These feelings will benefit them way beyond the classroom. A Parent’s Homework For our part, we need to ensure that we are calm so that we can create a calm environment for the child. That means exercising, taking a cat nap, eating – whatever we need to do to reduce crankiness before the troops come home. If your child is struggling despite his or her best efforts, take quick action. Early communication with teachers is essential so that children feel competent. Don’t wait for the report card, troubleshoot at the first sign of difficulty. The Basic Tools It’s also our responsibility to ensure that our children’s basic needs are met. Are their hearing and vision skills within normal limits? Are they eating right, getting enough sleep, etc.? If a child is having trouble with homework assignments because of any of these factors, we need to remove those barriers. Before expecting children to perform, ensure that they are well fed, well rested and well hydrated, and have a bathroom break if they need it. Environment is Essential A quiet, well-lit room is an ideal place for homework. But realistically, such an ideal is not always feasible for a family in Brooklyn, where four children may have to share the dining room table for homework. But even in small apartments, it’s important to try to set up separate spaces for all children. For more privacy, children can bring out their own tri-boards and set them up. Tri- boards are great for posting personalized notes, clear goals and supplies specific to the child. Keep a stock of basic school supplies (pens, pencils, paper, stapler, rulers, etc.) organized in an accessible area. Limit phone calls, television, computer and other distractions. Be consistent about time and place for homework. A routine will help ease the stress. File #99: Homework Help lINDA FRANCO DISORGANIZED DAUGHTER Keep extra school supplies in labeled places. Set times for each subject, and be around to help the child recreate the sys- tem. Have the child tidy up his knapsack every night. Avoid referring to any child with a negative label, and remember that children usually want to be neat. Some just need the skills. HASTY HOMEWORKER Post important criteria on a post it note (each paper should have its own heading, routine for doing work, reviewing, and correcting any sloppy work). Once the checklist is finished, let him or her zoom out the door to play. PROCRASTINATINGPOSTPONER Children may feel overwhelmed by larger assignments or don’t know how to correctly estimate the time. Use a timer and break up subjects into smaller bits. Use a planner to break down long term assignments. THE PERFECTIONIST This child may concentrate so hard on getting it perfect that nothing may actu- ally get done. Be calm and reassuring. Schedule their subjects, and limit the amount of time spent on homework. Many perfectionists put off homework until they feel they can do it. Help your child feel less overwhelmed by agreeing on a completion time for homework. ANTSY AND UNSTILL Some children need to walk around while reading or shake their legs while figuring out math. It’s just their way of stimulating their minds. Give them lots of floor space and cushions. Let them chew gum or play with rubber bands or a stress ball. If the work gets done thanks to a little bit of moving around, go with the flow. NO HOMEWORK NEGLECTOR Have them sign a homework contract. Communicate with teachers to ensure homework is handed in. Allow children to create their own order of assignments to take pride in their work. Use cool tools like white boards to plan assignments. DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS Each child learns differently and may need different systems in which to thrive. A system should set a child up for success. If your child only gets a reward for impossible goals, this is going to lead to frustration. Lots of praise, attainable rewards, and clear expectations and consequences work. Below, find suggestions on how to work with some of the varying learning styles that may apply to your young scholar.