Homework Helpers - A Homework Checklist

Homework helpers checklist to create the right homework environment for your child

When your child sits down to do his homework he should find himself in a clean area that is free of distractions. Children whose work environment is conducive to studying will be able to focus better on their schoolwork. There are many things that you can do to make your child feel comfortable and ready to work when studying at home.

The desk that your child works at should be free of clutter. When your child comes home from school he should put his books and binders at his desk. Other materials that should be at your child's desk are pens, pencils, erasers, binders, and scratch paper, as well as a homework checklist that your child may refer to while studying. This way, when your child sits down to do his homework; he won't have to leave the area until he is finished.

Other homework helpers that you should concentrate on while setting up your child's study area are lighting, snacks and ambiance.

The lighting in the work area should be bright. Many students study better under natural light, so place his desk near a window that brings in afternoon sunlight. For nighttime studiers, be sure that the area is well lit with overhead and desk lamps.

Always have light snacks on hand for your child during his study times. Heavy food will make him lethargic, but fruit, nuts and crackers and cheese are great fuel for your child's intellect and won't weigh him down.

You might want to decorate your child's study area with painted walls or posters. Also, potted plants are a nice way to make the area more comfortable for your child. In terms of ambiance, soft, classical music provides a nice background for study. It drowns out distracting noises but doesn't take the attention away from working.

If your child feels that he has a designated homework area, he will be more motivated to come home from school and complete his homework daily. This also gives him a chance to feel a sense of accomplishment.

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