New Year - New Semester - New Homework Solutions

As students begin a new semester, this is the perfectTen" every time you sit down to do your homework;
time to establish some new routines to improve thetwo minutes to put all loose papers into their correct
process of doing homework.folders and the next eight minutes to review any
The first question to ask yourself is, "If there is onehandouts or notes from the day.
thing I could improve about homework, what would it- If you are a victim of "Last Minute Syndrome," one
be?" The first answer that probably came to mindstrategy that will help you is the Weekly Family
was, "Get rid of it!" Honestly, that would be my firstMeeting. This meeting is an informal gathering (usually
response, too. However, homework is a fact-of-lifeon Sundays) where everyone shares their schedules
and serves a very good purpose (whether we like itfor the upcoming week (including parents). Discuss
or not), so let's try that again...sports schedules, upcoming tests/projects (and
** If You Could Improve One Thing about Homework,needed supplies), etc. Parents also share if they will be
What Would It Be? **working late one night or have other after-school
- Perhaps you feel that you (or your child) take tooobligations that may impact the family. This system is a
much time to do homework.great cure for LMS because it encourages everyone
- Or, maybe homework causes a lot of arguments into be proactive and plan ahead together. (BONUS: This
your home and you would like to experience somestrategy actually shows children *how* to plan ahead.)
peace.These suggestions are merely examples, but they
- Is your teacher complaining that lost assignments areillustrate the concept of developing *systems* to help
dragging down your grade?solve common homework problems.
- Do your parents often complain that you wait for theTip for Parents: Whenever possible, involve your
"last minute" to tell them about important things, suchchildren in the search for solutions. Children of all ages
as the supplies you need for that science fairusually give honest and very insightful suggestions,
project...tomorrow?!especially when they feel like their input is taken
** Action Plan **seriously. The more input they can have in identifying
Now that you know the problem, create a solution!reasonable solutions, the more willing they will be to
Once you have recognized a specific problem, it isparticipate.
much easier to identify a solution. The best solutions** In Conclusion **
are systems; procedures or routines that help youHomework inherently causes problems. In fact, one of
simplify the issue and develop positive habits tothe most significant purposes of homework is to learn
overcome it.*how* to solve problems. In almost every situation, a
I could write a full chapter on each of the problems"recurring problem" can be solved with a "recurring
above, but here are some quick examples of "solutionsolution," better known as a "system." To create your
systems" for each one:solution system:
- If you fight to stay focused while doing homework,1) Identify and label the problem so you can truly focus
set an electronic timer for the amount of time you thinkon a solution.
an assignment should take and challenge yourself to2) Brainstorm solutions that will simplify the problem
beat the timer.and help everyone develop habits to overcome them.
- If lost assignments are your issue, you may first need3) Test your system. Be prepared to make
to reduce the number of folders that you (or youradjustments and give it two-four weeks for it to take
child) have to manage. Most students juggle 7-9hold.
separate folders and 7-9 notebooks... up to 18 different4) Recognize the fruits of your efforts! This is the best
supplies! No wonder assignments get lost! Start bymotivation for solving future problems.
streamlining all folders into one, 1" binder. Then, "Take