1. Do it as early as possible - give your child a timeframe to get down to business, this way it can get done before your child is too pooped!
2. Create a call list - Identify three to four classmates your child could call if they forget an assignment's details
3. Build confidence - When your child doesn't get something right away, help them by sitting down and figuring out the first problem together - then heap on the praise! You can also have your child show you similar problems that they solved in class to jog his or her memory.
4. Cut it in half - If your child is overwhelmed, shorten the assignment and let the teacher know what was going on.
5. Change the scene - A special place to work can boost your child's motivation and confidence.
6. Keep the positive feedback coming - Especially in K-2, give instant feedback - correcting mistakes and praising what's done well.
7. Leave the room - If your child drags things out for attention, avoid joining in!
8. Beat the clock - If your child is a procrastinator, try a jump-start like "Five minutes of Fury" or racing against a timer. Make sure your child knows this is not an excuse for sloppy work!
9. Plan, plan, plan - Show your child how to break down big projects into smaller chunks of work, so that looming science project or book report doesn't seem so overwhelming.
10. Let them vent - Ease frustration by listening and empathizing - once your child feels understood, they will be more likely to accept suggestions and focus on what needs to be done.
Special Advice: On math problems, you may notice the teacher's instructions for solving the problem seem different from how you would solve it. Do you show your child your method? Experts suggest no - your process may confuse him or her even more. Ask your child what they remember from class, try to help them work through it they way they were taught, and if they are still lost, write a note to the teacher explaining that your child does not understand.
2. Create a call list - Identify three to four classmates your child could call if they forget an assignment's details
3. Build confidence - When your child doesn't get something right away, help them by sitting down and figuring out the first problem together - then heap on the praise! You can also have your child show you similar problems that they solved in class to jog his or her memory.
4. Cut it in half - If your child is overwhelmed, shorten the assignment and let the teacher know what was going on.
5. Change the scene - A special place to work can boost your child's motivation and confidence.
6. Keep the positive feedback coming - Especially in K-2, give instant feedback - correcting mistakes and praising what's done well.
7. Leave the room - If your child drags things out for attention, avoid joining in!
8. Beat the clock - If your child is a procrastinator, try a jump-start like "Five minutes of Fury" or racing against a timer. Make sure your child knows this is not an excuse for sloppy work!
9. Plan, plan, plan - Show your child how to break down big projects into smaller chunks of work, so that looming science project or book report doesn't seem so overwhelming.
10. Let them vent - Ease frustration by listening and empathizing - once your child feels understood, they will be more likely to accept suggestions and focus on what needs to be done.
Special Advice: On math problems, you may notice the teacher's instructions for solving the problem seem different from how you would solve it. Do you show your child your method? Experts suggest no - your process may confuse him or her even more. Ask your child what they remember from class, try to help them work through it they way they were taught, and if they are still lost, write a note to the teacher explaining that your child does not understand.