Back 2 School!
After an awesome few months of Summer Reading at the library, playing at the park, and vacations galore, it's finally about that time when Mom buys us new packs of colored pencils (and maybe a snazzy new pair of jeans) and we get ready to meet our new teachers, oodles of new friends, and maybe just a little bit of homework each and every night (yikes!).
Now, homework is scary, but it's good for us. And with a little thought and planning, homework doesn't have to be such a chore or quite so complicated. Get your game plan in place now -- and maybe you can get those worksheets done quickly enough to have an extra half hour every afternoon for computer games!
Write your own Back-to-School Madlib!
Use the parts of speech to create your own story. When you've filled out all the boxes, click the gray box below to see your own Back to School story come to life!
MadLibs code found here.
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10 homework tips
for moms & dads
- Keep in touch with the teacher or teachers to be fully aware of the quantity and the quality of the homework turned in.
- Set a schedule, including both a beginning and an ending time. Most kids need some time to unwind after school before they tackle their homework. Doing it too close to bedtime may make it difficult due to fatigue. Fridays are usually the best day for homework that must be completed over the weekend. Assignments are still fresh in mind and last minute panic rushes are avoided.
- Encourage your child to divide the homework assignment into "What I can do myself" and "What I need help with." You should help only with that part of the homework your child cannot do independently, such as using flashcards, practicing spelling tests, and clarifying assignments. This builds responsibility and independence in your child.
- Use "Grandma's Rule." Remember that Grandma is reputed to have said that there is no dessert until you are finished with your spinach. Hold off on watching TV and other fun activities until homework is completed.
- Provide a home study center for your child with adequate light and few distractions. If your child concentrates better with "white noise" (music), provide that help. Also, a dictionary, paper, pens, etc., should be readily available.
- Use direct praise for doing the homework and even more for accomplishment. "You've spelled 18 out of 20 words correctly--that's the best you've done this semester!"
- Be available when your child is doing homework, so that you can answer a question if there is confusion. If possible, it is better for you to be in another room, so you are easily accessible and yet not a distraction.
- Look over the homework when it is completed. Do not correct it unless you have checked with the teacher. Seeing the pattern of errors is often helpful to a teacher.
- Study groups are often a good strategy. Your child may benefit from studying with one or two classmates. However, make sure they are using the time to study.
- Allow bathroom, drink, and/or snack breaks, but insist on completion of tasks.
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All Rights Reserved
Any interested person or organization may copy or reprint portions of this article provided such copy may not be sold or otherwise used for commercial purposes and any such copy must contain the above stated copyright notice.
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Need help with Madlibs?
A noun is a person, place, or thing: like librarian, Alaska, or basketball.
A plural noun is more than one thing, like librarians or basketballs.
A verb is an action, like run or talk.
A verb in past tense is a verb that happened in the past -- like ran or talked.
An adjective describes a noun, like the cuddly kitten or the green kite.
An adverb describes a verb, like running slowly or whispering softly.
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