Homework Help Tips for Parents

10 things PARENTS can do to support homework completion! 

(1) CHECK GRADES ON-LINE

Use Synergy ParentVUE to check grades. Access it through the link on the Lincoln HS home page (scroll down and find the link on the left side). Use your parent code to log-in (contact the counseling office if you do not have the code). It will show current grades, but it may not be totally up to date. It shows past assignments, but usually not the current ones.

(2) THE ASSIGNMENT PLANNER

Ask you child to see his/her assignment planner. Expect to see all assignments written on the day they are due. Successful students use their planners consistently. So let your child know that not using the planner IS NOT AN OPTION!

(3) TEACHERS’ WEB-SITES

Use teachers’ web sites to get more information about assigned work. To find a teacher’s web site go to the staff pages on the Lincoln web site, click on the teacher’s name and look for a link.  Note: not all teachers have web sites!

(4) COMMUNICATE WITH TEACHERS

Email teachers to find out more information about assignments… what should the student be working on right now? What credit can still be given, if any, for past assignments?

(5) HOMEWORK TIME

Try to establish a consistent time each night for homework-- at least 1 to 2 hour on weeknights. Help your child plan the evening activities in half-hour increments, making sure that there are sufficient times allocated for each homework assignment due the next day (in addition to meals, chores and other obligations). Use weekend time to work on large projects or complete overdue assignments.

(6) PROPER STUDY SPACE

Make sure your child has a quiet space at home where he/she can work without distractions. Access to the internet is usually necessary. Make sure that the work space is organized and contains all necessary materials. Make sure they work at a desk. Do not interrupt study time unless absolutely necessary.

(7) REMOVE DISTRACTIONS

If necessary, confiscate the cell phone and other distractions during homework time. Monitor homework time as needed to check on progress toward task completion.

(8) ORGANIZATION

Ask to see completed homework and make sure it is placed in an appropriate folder or binder so that it will be turned in during class. Check binders… are papers sorted and placed in appropriate sections? If not, help your child re-organize. Check the backpack… is all schoolwork, books and materials well organized? Is there junk that needs to be discarded or work that needs to go into binders? If so, take everything out and re-organize!

(9) GET HELP WHEN NEEDED
If your child is getting stuck on completing assignments they don’t understand contact the teacher for advice. Consider getting a tutor or someone who can help.

(10) PRAISE & ENCOURAGEMENT

Give lots of praise for effort. Reward them for hard work and positive results. Allow them increasingly more control and independence as they improve their habits and learn to take more responsibility for their work. Be firm, but also be patient and understanding… study habits do not change overnight!