How Parents Can Help Students
with Homework and Study Habits
Charting Our Journey Parent Workshop
By: Dr. Lateasha White, Parent Involvement Liaison
Adapted from presentation by: Lakeita Servance, Parent Engagement Specialist
GaDOE Office of School Improvement
Objectives:
• IDENTIFY common homework challenges
• IDENTIFY learning style via multiple
intelligence test
• MAP out study habits and learn tips for
success
• IDENTIFY mapping strategies for
organization
Identify Common Homework
Challenges
Common Challenges
• Child forgets homework on purpose
• Does not understand importance of homework or it may be too difficult
• Child studies at home, but fails the test
• Casual studying may not be sufficient, as test may require mastery of
skills learned in class
• Parents spend countless, tiring hours helping child cram for the test the night
before, but child still fails the test
• Set up a study schedule, with short 15-20min sessions throughout the
week in preparation for the test
• Child’s homework is messy and disorganized
• Emphasize the importance of writing notes neatly and orderly. Make
child rewrite homework that is messy.
• Required reading material is above the child’s level, but they are still
responsible for knowing the material/concepts
• Read textbooks with your child to help them understand key concepts in
the chapter.
Learning Styles
• Visual (spatial): You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial
understanding.
• Aural (auditory-musical): You prefer using sound and music.
• Verbal (linguistic): You prefer using words, both in speech and writing.
• Physical (kinesthetic): You prefer using your body, hands and sense of
touch.
• Logical (mathematical): You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.
• Social (interpersonal): You prefer to learn in groups or with other
people.
• Solitary (intrapersonal): You prefer to work alone and use self-study.
3 Main Cognitive Learning Styles
Visual
• Learn by seeing
• Able to memorize and recall various information
• Tends to remember things that are written down
Auditory
• Learns by hearing & speaking
• Often has talents in music and may concentrate better with soft
music playing in the background
Kinesthetic
• Learn by doing - Uses a hands-on approach to learn new material
• Would rather demonstrate how to do something rather than
verbally explain it
• Usually prefers group work more than others
Example of a Visual Learner
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Prefers fill in the blank information
Using color coded words makes retention easier
Flashcards when learning vocabulary
Flipcharts, graphs, pictures, or props are preferred
Use a highlighter to separate key points
Underline or circle key words
Encourage note taking and writing games
Make outlines of everything
Usually good in Math and Science
**Best test type: Diagramming, reading maps, essays, and
demonstrating a process
**Worst test type: Listen and respond test
Example of a Auditory Learning
Style
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Record lectures to study and play information back
Repeats facts out loud and in own words
Discuss material in study groups
Listen to music to help learn
Prefers reading textbooks to themselves out loud
Usually good in grammar and foreign language
**Best test type: Oral exams or writing a response to a
lecture they heard
**Worst test type: Reading passages and writing answers
about them in a timed test
Example of a Kinesthetic Learning
Style
• Studies best in short blocks
• Learns well in lab classes
• Prefers role playing - “teach” the information they must
learn using chalkboard
• Enjoys studying with others
• Use memory games and flash cards to retain information
• Uses maps, globes, puzzles to study history & geography
• Need help to develop system to stay organized
**Best test type: Short definitions, fill-ins and multiple choice
**Worst test type: Long test and essays
Homework & Study Habits
Homework Tips for Parents
• Help child understand purpose of homework:
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Review and practice what was taught
Prepare for next day’s class
Learn to use resources – library, websites, reference books, etc.
Explore subjects more fully than class time permits.
Integrate different skills learned into a single task (project/book report).
Teach students to work independently & encourage self-discipline and
responsibility.
• Homework amounts:
• Depends on age & skill of child.
• Recommendation: 10 min. per grade level: (5th – 8th) 50-80 minutes
• Homework Survival Kit in study spot:
• pencils, pens, writing paper, colored pencils, markers, ruler, pencil sharpener,
erasers, stapler, scissors, paper clips, index cards, folders, dictionary, and other
necessary items.
• Schedule Homework Time:
• same time each night - be sure all other activities stop at this time
Study Environment
• Place:
• Choose a place where your child is able to write neatly and stay alert.
• Study in the same place every day.
• Light:
• Use good overhead lighting that is not too dim but not so bright that
they must squint.
• Sound:
• Find a quiet place where they won’t be interrupted by others, the
radio or TV, or other noises.
• Temperature:
• Find a comfortable spot where they are not too hot or too cold.
How Parents Can Help
• Help child manage time to complete assignments – discuss steps needed for longer
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assignments – help them get started on big assignments
Give practice tests
Help avoid last minute cramming – review nightly with your child.
Talk with your child about how to take a test
• Read instructions carefully
• Keep track of time
• Do easy ones first
• Don’t spend too much time on one question
Talk about assignments
• Do they understand what to do?
• Do they need help in understanding the assignment?
• Do they have everything needed for assignment?
• Does the answer make sense?
Watch for frustration.
Give constructive criticism.
Praise and encourage!!
Reference: Popson, D. (2008). Strategies for Helping Your
Child with Organization, Study Skills, and Homework.
Middle School Study Habits
• Study groups are often a good strategy. Your child
may benefit from studying with one or two
classmates.
• Encourage your child to divide the homework
assignment into "What I can do myself" and
"What I need help with.“
• Enforce that neatness is important. Children often
rush through assignments quickly so they can finish
sooner and move on to the next thing on their
agenda.
Middle School Stars
• Establish rules about the use of their cell phone during study
time. This can be a major distraction; therefore, it would be wise
to prohibit the use of it during homework time.
• Remind your child that it’s ok to say no if they are being asked to
engage in extracurricular activities and forms of entertainment with
their friends that may interfere with study time.
• Keep things in perspective and caution your child against setting
goals that are too difficult to meet.
Day
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Reading/ELA
Math
Social Studies
Science
Homework Resources:
• Homework Center
http://www.infoplease.com/homework/
• Fact Monster
http://www.factmonster.com/
• Tips for Helping Kids and Teens with Homework
http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/learning/st
udytips.shtml
Questions/Comments
Contact Information
Dr. Lateasha White
Parent Involvement Liaison
770-474-5710 | lateasha.white@henry.k12.ga.us