Tame the Homework Monster

The word “homework” sends a shiver down the spine of not only fourth graders, but their parents, too! It doesn’t have to be that way. Helping your child develop homework completion strategies that work for him will save time, energy, and make the after school hours more pleasant for both of you. These organizational skills will serve your child well through the upper elementary grades, into high school, and on to college.

By improving homework organizational skills, students are better prepared for learning during the school day. Here’s a fun way to start your child on the road to completing his homework without a struggle!

What You Need:

• Paper
• Pencil
• Poster Board
• Ruler
• Markers
• Adhesive stars (optional)

What You Do:

1. Brainstorm ways to improve homework organization with your child. These could include putting finished homework in the book bag immediately after it’s finished, checking to make sure all homework is complete, using separate folders for each subject, or setting aside a specific time to complete homework. By fourth grade, most students (and parents) know what parts of the homework monster need taming.
2. Have your child choose several strategies that he thinks will help him with his homework organization. Allowing your child to choose gives him a sense of ownership. This self-empowerment helps make the organization system work.
3. Make a chart listing the homework organization strategies along with the days of the week. Give your child a star (either a sticker or hand-drawn) or use a check off system to indicate each day the improved homework habit has been successfully noted. Keep track of your child’s progress for a month.
4. Incorporate a reward system to reinforce positive habits. Reward your child early and often. Specify how many stars are needed to receive a reward. This could be 6 stars earns an ice cream treat, 10 stars earns a new book, and 15 stars earns a trip to the movies. Adapt the star reward system to suit the interests of your child. If you shudder, thinking you may be adding stars until your child leaves for college, relax. It shouldn’t take that long. Many experts believe new habits become routine in just 21 days!