Excuses, Excuses, Excuses #1: Busy Work

Why is it that students don’t do their homework? What motivates the decision for a student to ignore a task that has been set before them to complete? Why would a student make up reasons for why they were unable to complete their assignments? While I don’t claim to know all of the answers to these questions I certainly see potential clues every day I go to work. If we haven’t met allow me to introduce myself: I’m Kyle and I’m a dad. I’m also a Ph.D. student. I’m also a teacher. I’m also some other things. What’s important, however, … Continue reading

Helping Children Solve Their Own Problems

Many children with behavior problems continue to get into trouble because they aren’t able to “own” their conduct. Everything is somebody else’s fault, and they feel picked on and victimized. “She made me hit her because she was laughing at me,” or “I called him a bad name because he wouldn’t let me have a turn.” “I don’t listen to my teacher because she doesn’t like me.” “My room is messy because my little brother keeps going in there and messing it up.” And my favorite: “I can never find my shoes! Somebody keeps stealing them!” “It’s Not My Fault.” … Continue reading

Homework

Homework tends to have a bad reputation among students and parents alike. However, homework can be very rewarding for both you and your child. In moderation, homework can allow you to be a part of your child’s education and help you and your child grow together. Why do teachers give homework? Research shows that when homework is examined by teachers and discussed with students, grades and academic progress improves. Teachers give homework to help students review and understand lessons that were taught. Teachers also give homework as a method to assess the child’s understanding of the material. From completing homework, … Continue reading

Should “Perfectionist” Kids Get Special Accommodations?

Sometimes it seems like my life is a long, continuous string of parent-teacher conferences, one right after the other. Today I had three, and the last one was for my sixth grader, Riley, who, for the purposes of this blog, we might just call “Mr. Perfectionist.” His teacher sat across from us at a long table, where she pushed several papers over toward me. “Any questions about his grades?” she asked. “Yes… well… they don’t seem indicative of his abilities,” I said. “I’m wondering what you think is going on.” This was becoming a trend for Riley. Although his grades … Continue reading

Homework Clubs

Guys, have you heard about homework clubs? Homework clubs are a way for kids to get together and do their homework while being supervised by parents or teachers. Some kids find it more productive working in such an environment as opposed to working home alone. Some clubs are sponsored by schools, libraries or private tutoring companies. If you’re interested in having your child attend one, just check around in your community or consider starting one of your own. If you decide to start your own, here are a few things to keep in mind: The location should be one that … Continue reading

Tips for Getting Homework Done

Homework – the very word most children dread hearing. While some kids seem to do well in school without even trying, other children study for hours and find homework difficult. If your child falls into the latter category of struggling with homework, then you understand the anxiety and frustration that has become a nightly ritual. Learning should be a good experience for children, not one filled with despair. The good news is that you can help your child with homework by breaking each task down into simple terms. As an example, try using visuals as a learning tool. If your … Continue reading

Seven Ways to Get the REAL Scoop on Your Child’s Homework

Children with learning disabilities and other special needs require a lot of parental involvement when it comes to homework. It may be difficult for these kids to keep track of assignments and deadlines, and they may be fearful to ask their teachers questions for clarification. And even when there really isn’t any tangible homework, there might be tests or quizzes scheduled for which your child should be preparing. Here are seven ways you can keep tabs on your child’s homework while still giving your son or daughter a feeling of independence and accomplishment. Meet with your child’s teacher(s) early in … Continue reading