Homework Helper: Reading and Math Tips

The new school year is upon us and kids are going back to in-person learning. That means that your children will have homework to tackle when they get home. Here are some easy ideas to make homework time less stressful for you and your kids.

  • General Tips
    • Make sure your child has a quiet, well-lit place to do their work.
    • Make sure the materials your child needs (i.e. paper, pencils, dictionary, etc.) are readily available.
    • Establish a set time each day for doing homework and don’t let your child leave homework until just before bedtime.
    • Have a positive attitude toward school and avoid talking negatively about homework.
    • When your child asks for help, provide guidance, not answers.
    • Have your child do the hard work first when they are most alert.
    • Allow your child to take a short break if he or she becomes frustrated but give him or her a set time that schoolwork should resume.
    • If your child has been successful in work completion and is working hard, reward their effort.

  • Reading Tips
    • Have your child read aloud to you every day.
    • Choose a quiet place, free of distractions, for your child to do his or her reading assignments.
    • Ask your child to tell you in his/her own words what happened in the story.
    • Before getting to the end of a story, ask your child what he/she thinks will happen next and why.
    • When your child reads aloud to you and makes a mistake, point out the words that were missed and help him or her read the words correctly.

  • Math Tips
    • If you don’t understand your child’s math assignments, engage in frequent communication with his or her teacher.
    • Follow the progress your child is making in math and check with her/him daily about their math work.
    • Try to be aware of how your child is being taught math, and don’t teach strategies and shortcuts that conflict with the approach the teacher is using. Ask the teacher about online resources that you can use with your child at home.

        Remember, it is okay to make changes to your daily schedule if one day is simply an “off day.” If at any point in time you need assistance or need clarification on an assignment, do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s team.