"
After
you finish your homework."
You have probably heard your mom or dad say these words. It
might seem like all the good stuff has to wait until your homework
is done. There's a good reason why adults make a big deal out
of homework. Homework helps you learn. And getting a good education
can help you build the kind of future life that you want. So
homework is important, but how can you get it done?
First, you need a quiet place without clutter and confusion.
Writing on top of potato chip crumbs while talking on the phone is
not going to help you finish your history lesson. Turn off the TV
and other distractions. You'll be better able to concentrate,
which usually means you'll finish your work more quickly and
it's more likely to be correct.
Set aside enough time to finish your work without rushing. You
can't just squeeze your science assignment into the commercials
during your favorite TV show. Really learning something takes time.
But if you find that you're struggling even after putting in
the time, you'll want to ask for help.
Why Do Some Kids Need Homework Help?
Aside from just not understanding the lesson or assignment,
there are other reasons why you may need homework help. Some kids
are out
sick
for a long time and miss a lot of work. Others get so busy that
they don't spend enough time on homework.
Personal problems can cause trouble with your work, too. Some
kids may be dealing with stuff outside of school that can make
homework harder, like problems with friends or things going on at
home. Kids whose parents are going through a
divorce
or some other family problem often struggle with getting homework
done on time.
Even students who never had a problem with homework before can
start having trouble because of problems they face at home. But
whatever the reason for your homework struggles, there are many
ways to get help.
Who Can Help?
Talk to someone (parents, teachers,
school counselor
, or another trusted adult) if you're having problems with
school work. Speak up as soon as you can, so you can get help right
away before you fall behind.
Your parents are often a great place to start if you need help.
They might be able to show you how to do a tough math problem or
help you think of a subject to write about for English class. But
they also can be helpful by finding that perfect spot in the house
for you to do your homework and keeping supplies, like pencils, on
hand. Parents also can cut down on distractions, like noisy younger
brothers and sisters!
Teachers
are also important resources for you because they can give you
advice specific to the assignment you're having trouble with.
They also can help you set up a good system for writing down your
assignments and remembering to put all the necessary books and
papers in your backpack. Teachers can give you study tips and offer
ideas about how to tackle homework. Helping kids learn is their
job, so be sure to ask for advice!
Many schools, towns, and cities offer after-school care for
kids. Often, homework help is part of the program. There,
you'll be able to get some help from adults, as well as from
other kids.
You also might try a local homework help line, which you would
reach by phone. These services are typically staffed by teachers,
older students, and other experts in school subjects.
You can also use the Internet to visit online homework help
sites. These sites can direct you to good sources for research and
offer tips and guidance about many academic subjects. But be
cautious about just copying information from an Internet website.
This is a form of cheating, so talk with your teacher about how to
use these sources properly.
Another option is a private tutor. This is a person who is paid
to spend time going over school work with you. If cost is a
concern, this can be less expensive if a small group of kids share
a tutoring session.
Do It Together
Some kids will hardly ever need homework help. If you're one
of them, good for you! Why not use your talent to help a friend
who's struggling? You might offer to study together. Going over
lessons together can actually help both of you.
Information is easy to remember when you're teaching it to
someone, according to one fifth grader, who says she helps her
friend, Jenny, with multiplication tables.
"It helps me to learn them, too," she says. "I
practice while she's practicing."
You might want to create a regular study group. You could set
goals together and reward yourselves for completing your work. For
example, when you finish writing your book reports, go ride your
bikes together. Looking forward to something fun can help everyone
get through the work.
Still Having Trouble?
Sometimes even after trying all these strategies, a kid still is
having trouble with homework. It can be tough if this happens to
you. But remember that everyone learns at a different pace. You
might have to study for 2 hours instead of 1, or you might have to
practice multiplication tables 10 times instead of 5 to really
remember them.
It's important to put in as much time as
you
need to understand the lessons. Ask your mom or dad to help you
create a schedule that allows as much time as you need.
And keep
talking
about the problems you're having with parents, teachers,
counselors, and others. That way, they'll see that you are
trying to get your homework done. And when it
is
done, make sure you find time to do something fun!
Updated and reviewed by:
Chris Cortellessa, M.Ed, NCC
Date reviewed: November 2007
Originally reviewed by:
Heather Waldman, BA, MA
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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