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Show Elizabeth Jacobsen, a Park City parent and mother of three elementary school-aged children agrees. " I like to address the homework issue as soon as homework starts coming home. 1 want to know up front what is expected, because I want my kids to succeed," she explains. Helping kids establish a homework routine is one way parents can help in the homework process. At the start of the school year both Goldstein and Jacobsen advise parents and children to decide together where and when homework will be completed each day. Being flexible helps. " The way you structure home conditions has been found to play an important role in predicting homework performance/' writes Goldstein. He suggests experimenting with a variety of locations and noise levels to decide what works best for your child. Jacobsen's children favor the kitchen table and counter space as homework central. The location works well into their daily routine of tackling homework shortly after arriving home from school and having a snack. While finding a regular homework location may be simple, maintaining a consistent homework routine sometimes can be a challenge. "We basically come home from school and if we don't have an afterschool activity we have snack, play a little bit and get busy with homework. My kids like that it is done and then they can relax do whatever they want," Jacobsen says. "On days when there are activities, that's where it gets interesting," she adds. "Preferably we try to do homework before the activity, and if it is just one child who has an activity scheduled I have the other children take their homework along to complete while we wait. She advises parents to ask children to gather any necessary homework supplies, such as rulers and calculators before leaving. Goldstein supports the homework on-the-go scenario. "Competent kids can do their homework on the fly." But, he reminds parents to be mindful of the after school schedule they create with their child, if time WELCOME BACK! constraints or too many after school activities make it difficult for the child to complete their assignments. Managing multiple children doing homework simultaneously can also be tricky. For Jacobsen, having all of her three children working together during "quiet time," is an effective strategy. Jacobsen makes herself available to answers questions and provide direction. Providing adequate supplies is another way parents can be supportive." I try to be consistent in providing appropriate materials in an organized location, so their struggle isn't finding a ruler or pencil, which allows them to focus on their work," says Jacobsen. She also recommends keeping an ample supply of poster board at home for special projects. Knowing when to offer hands-on help or when to be more of a homework advisor is a common dilemma for parents. As one of the primary goals of homework is to help children become independent learners, the latter may be a better option. Just how much help to offer depends on your child's age and ability. " Young students as well as those with learning problems require more of your time, assistance, and support," writes Goldstein. "Your assistance also depends on whether the homework assignments represent practicing a skill already mastered by your child or developing and mastering a new skill." When an assignment involves acquiring new information, Goldstein suggests parents advise their child by asking questions about the materials, summarizing their child's strengths in tha't area, and asking how you can be of assistance. Jacobsen has used this strategy with her children. "With some projects, like building spaceship or a native dwelling, we (as parents) try not to do the project for them. It's the conceptual idea that is often the hardest part of the assignment. Once we help them get organized, they can then complete the project independently. It may be frustrat- Continued on page 16 NOW ENROLLING SCHOOL YEAR 2004-2005 ELEMENTARY PROGRAMS TRANSPORTATION FROM JEREMY RANCH, TRAILS1DE, OR PARLEY'S PARK 1:15 TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO OUTDOOR PLAY, SNACKS, AND CRAFTS OPEN WHEN PUBLIC SCHOOL IS CLOSED (additional charge) AFTER SCHOOL • Homework Time and Assistance • Supports Public School Academics, Problem-Solving, Group Dynamics, Physical Education • M-R3-6pm, Fri 12:30-6pm $250 per month KINDERGARTEN ENRICHMENT . 1612 W. U T E BLVD. #106 KIMBALL JUNCTION PLAZA, PARK CITY 435-615-0464 (NEAR LOCO LIZARD & SUEDE) /A • Pre-reading/Reading skill focus • Problem-Solving, Self-Management, Mediation Skills • Health and Fitness and Music programs available (additional charge) •M-R 11-6, Fri 12:30-6:00, $500 per month, half-days available 3160 W. Pinebrook Road, care from 6 weeks of age, 7am-6pm M-F www, totalenerfypc. or? 649-7878 * Total Energy is a 501 (3)c Non-Profit Organization Park City Parent Back to School / oa.2009 15 |