Tips to Help Children With Their Homework

(NewsUSA) – Parents want their children to get good grades in
school. Start by creating a home environment that is conducive to learning.

"Sometimes, parents think helping their child complete his homework, or even doing
their child's homework for him, will help him achieve better grades in school," said Richard E.
Bavaria, Ph.D, senior vice president for education outreach for Sylvan Learning. "Often, it's just
the opposite, creating a situation where children have not learned the concepts they are later
tested on in the classroom."

To help students, parents can create an atmosphere that works with their child to
tackle school tasks efficiently. Sylvan Learning offers parents these tips to develop a
personalized homework plan for school success:

-Set Goals. Help your child set personal and attainable goals for each class, and
help her identify what will need to be done to reach each goal. For example, to earn an A in
American history, she will need to turn in her homework and participate in class.

-Know Your Child. Each child is unique, with different learning styles and academic
needs, so parents must personalize the learning process. Many educators identify three primary
learning styles: auditory, visual and tactile. Children learn in different ways on different days,
but usually have a tendency toward one style. If you help your child work within his personal
style, he will work more effectively. To learn your child's personal learning style, visit the
"Resources for Parents" area of www.Tutoring.SylvanLearning.com.

-Create a Homework Zone. Set up a study area, complete with a dictionary, paper and pens.
Keep the area free from potential distractions.

-Develop Class Files. Make a color-coded file for each of your child's classes,
with separate tabs for homework assignments, exams and projects, so your child can refer back to
class materials when studying for tests.

-Celebrate Successes Throughout the Year. Celebrate your child's achievement when she
reaches weekly milestones. Show her you are confident in her academic abilities, and reward the
little things, like improving concentration and organizing her study space.

If your child is struggling with homework, talk with her and determine the underlying cause.
Even a child who is doing well can benefit from supplemental assistance to sharpen study and
test-taking skills.

For additional educational resources for children in grades pre-K through 12, visit www.Tutoring.SylvanLearning.com or call
1-800-31-SUCCESS.