5 WAYS TO END HOMEWORK HASSLES WITH THE BUDDY SYSTEM Frustration, battles, tears. Every day homework time wreaks havoc in millions of households. Parents and children both hate it. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Many children lack structure and organizational skills. They are confused not only about what their homework assignments are, but even about which books and materials to bring home. Long-term assignments are often forgotten or postponed until the last minute. This confusion increases homework chaos and everybody’s frustration. Having a homework buddy can help make life easier for everyone. Finding one is simple. Friends often make good homework buddies, but both children should be in class together at school so that assignments, tests and due dates are the same. Many times a friend is experiencing similar homework problems, and will eagerly agree to be a buddy. If children feel uncomfortable, or have difficulty finding a homework buddy, most teachers will be happy to help guide them through the process. Other parents are also a valuable resource. Once children agree to be homework buddies, phone numbers and e-mail addresses can be exchanged. This information should be kept in a safe place at home, in addition to being recorded in an assignment notebook; it will be handy and available when needed. Every day the two children should check each other’s notebooks and make sure that they each have put the necessary books and materials into their book bags. Being prepared helps eliminate some of the homework chaos. Having a homework buddy makes studying easier because it provides structure, organization and feedback. For example, buddies can help each other review for tests, double check work and clear up confusion about assignments. They can do this in person, over the phone or by computer. The children need to decide what works best for them. Homework buddies also encourage each other to complete all daily homework and to meet all assigned deadlines. Some children agree to finish homework by a certain time each day, and then check in with each other; others do homework together. By reminding one another about approaching deadlines, long-term assignments no longer are forgotten until the night before they are due. Working with a partner helps to develop effective study skills. Homework buddies often learn from each other how to create flash cards, use acronyms, take notes and identify key vocabulary in textbooks. These strategies help them learn how to recognize and organize important information. The studying process becomes more efficient. Their emotional intelligence, a predictor of later success in life, also is enhanced. Problem solving, critical thinking and social skills naturally evolve when children help and support one another. They learn how to work together cooperatively, accepting each other’s strengths and weaknesses, while gaining crucial life skills. Having a homework buddy doesn’t solve all homework dilemmas, but it does help children handle them more effectively. By Jane McGivern Levine