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Success Begins With the Homework Environment

Sensible Tips for Helping Children With Their Homework

Parents want their children to get good grades in school. Unfortunately, not every parent knows how best to help their children meet academic challenges, including completion of homework assignments. So, how do parents maximize their child's chances for success in school? Start by creating a home environment that is conducive to homework and learning.

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

"A simple way to help your child with homework is by creating an atmosphere that works with your child to efficiently tackle school tasks. Really get to know your child's homework style and develop a plan for school success," states Dr. Bavaria.

Sylvan offers parents the following tips and advice to develop a homework plan for back-to-school success:

1. Set Goals.

Help your child set attainable goals for each class and help her identify what will need to be done to reach each goal. For example, to get an A in American History, she will need to turn in all her homework, participate in class, etc.

2. Know Your Child.

There are visual (seeing), auditory (hearing), and haptic (doing) learners. If you help your child work within his style, he will work more effectively.

3. Create a Homework Zone.

Set up an area in your home for studying, complete with a dictionary, paper and pens. Make sure the area is free from potential distractions and that study tools are at your child's fingertips to keep him focused on homework.

4. Develop Class Files.

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

5. Set Weekly Milestones.

For big projects or exams, get a large calendar for your child's desk area and help him set short timelines to ensure projects and studying aren't left until the night before. Celebrate with your child when each milestone is met.

"By working with your child to develop a plan to efficiently complete homework tasks, you will find higher grades, fewer homework headaches and a more confident child as a result," states Dr. Bavaria.

About Sylvan Learning

Sylvan Learning is the leading provider of in-center and live, online tutoring at home to students of all ages, grades and skill levels. With approximately 30 years of experience and nearly 1,100 centers located throughout North America, Sylvan’s proven process and personalized methods have inspired more than 2 million students to discover the joy of learning. Sylvan’s trained and certified personal instructors provide individual instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, study skills and test-prep for college entrance and state exams. Sylvan helps transform unique kids into uniquely inspired learners with the skills to do better in school and the confidence to do better in everything else. For more information, call 1-800-31-SUCCESS or visit http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com.

For more information, contact:
Jennifer Gaegler, Sylvan Learning Center
(410) 843-8928
jennifer.gaegler@sylvanlearning.com