Learning Module 1: Homework and

Study Skills

Prepared by Dee Dee HarrisonCoordinator, Parent Engagement

Bakersfield City School DistrictParent Involvement Program

How Parents Can Support and Monitor

Academic Success

Content Objective: How to support and monitor your children’s homework and study habits

Language Objective: To learn terms associated with practice, preparation and extension

Social Objective: We will exchange ideas in collaborative conversations.

There are three types of homework: practice, preparation, and extension.

Practice assignments reinforce newly acquired skills.

Preparation assignments help students get ready for activities that will occur in the classroom.

Extension assignments are frequently long-term continuing projects that parallel classwork.

Review of Educational Research, 2006 National Education Association

What Is Homework?

Space: Provide a quiet, well-lit place to complete homework.

Schedule: Make studying, not homework alone, a daily habit.

Model: Model organizational techniques, work habits, and consider doing “adult homework” while your child completes his/her homework.

Homework Environment

Attitude: Show your child you think homework is important.

Support: Check homework and be available for assistance.

Involvement: Be in contact with your child’s teacher and do not wait until grades come out to discover there is a problem.

Praise: Praise your child for good effort, as well as good performance, which helps build self-esteem

Homework Environment cont.

Homework Tips

Homework Time typically is 10 mins. per grade level;

Break up work into small increments of time to help students stay focused; and

Use a Timer – this helps lower the barriers and creates a relaxed atmosphere. • 20 minutes for reading• “5 Minutes of Fury” - • “Tolerable Ten”

Try to review key points before bed

Distribute study times over course of week

After reading, it is helpful to write a summary or bullet notes for key points

Study Skills

“Effects of Learning Skills Interventions on Student Learning: A Meta Analysis.” Review of Educational Research Summer 1996 Vol. 66, No 2, pp 99-136

 

• Auditory learners are those who learn best through hearing things;

• Visual learners retain more information when they use visual aids; and

• Tactile learners benefit by doing hands-on projects.

Educational Leadership, v55 n1 p22-27 Sep 1997

Know Your Child’sDominant Learning Style

Middle School Students

“20/2” Strategy

1. Set timer for 20 minutes for uninterrupted homework practice;

2. 2:00 minute break to check phone for texts, posts

3. Immediately return back to homework

4. Repeat

Music and Homework

Music – listening to music is okay for memorizing facts, but can be a distraction when studying for tests;

Familiar music or NO music at all; and

Homework playlist of well-known music could help with students who work better with “white noise.”

Educational Psychology; Anita Woolfolk; 2006

Listen

Empathize “You sound frustrated”

State their feeling “You sound angry”; and

Recognize your child’s frustration.

Jeanne Shay Schumm, PhD, is the author of How to Help Your Child with Homework (Free Spirit, 2005)

Goals and Expectations when Homework is Difficult

Home to School Communication

Dear Teacher: My child’s reactions to this homework activity were: ______ 1. My child understood the homework and was able to complete it. ______ 2. My child and I enjoyed the activity. ______ 3. This assignment helped me know what my child is learning in math. _______4. PLEASE CHECK. My child needed some help on this, but seems to understand this skill. _______5. PLEASE HELP. My child still needs instruction on this skill. _______6. PLEASE NOTE (other comments). __________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ Parent signature ____________________________________ Date _________________________

HOME-TO-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION

Homework Chart

Subject Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Subject Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Subject Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

“Homework Chart”

Name:________________________________________

Organization and good study habits will help your child be prepared

Communicate with your child’s teacher if there are concerns with the level of homework Whether its too difficult or Whether it’s too easy

Summary

Please complete these sentences:

1) Today I learned that __________________________.

2) I plan to try ________________ with my child/children.

3) What are the three purposes for homework?1. ______________ to reinforce new skills.2. ______________ to get ready for new learning3. ______________ to show what they’ve learned.

Wrap ~ Up Activity

Questions?