Teacher's Thoughts
Jennifer Di Ruocco
Mom to Mom Contributor
September, 2009

Homework Hints

It’s the goal of every parent: having your child complete and return their homework successfully with a great attitude. Sometimes you feel that this may be too difficult of a task to take on but with these tips homework with a great attitude is possible.

  1. Make sure your child has a quiet organized spot to complete homework and study. Provide them with all the tools they will need. If your child studies in different areas of the house provide them with a small plastic tub for study tools. This is a convenient way for kids to move around and be ready for any assignment.

  2. As the parent and role model you must start with a good attitude. Be positive and if you have any negative feelings don’t share them with your child. Contact the teacher with questions or concerns.

  3. As your child does homework you can spend time working as well. You can read or balance your checkbook, which are both skills you learned in school.

  4. Ask questions and be involved with their school curriculum. You might be able to teach your child strategies that they have not learned. Provide guidance when necessary but remember to not overstep your boundaries as most work is made to be completed by the student.

  5. Have your child keep an assignment notebook. This will keep your child organized and know exactly what work needs to get done. Also, teach your child about time management.

  6. Do the hard work first. Earlier in the evening your child will be less fatigued and can be more focused on the task at hand.

  7. Take short breaks. Let your child walk away for a quick break, but not to the television! Eating a healthy snack or walking outside for some fresh air will rejuvenate your child.

  8. Reward progress made as your child is positive and successful in completing and returning their homework.

  9. Schedule for long term projects. Many times children are assigned projects to be completed at home. Prepare in advance with purchasing supplies and allowing enough time so they don’t become overwhelmed.

  10. Use the school website to help with planning projects and daily assignments.

By now most students and parents know how much homework will be given from their teacher. Having a plan is your first step so success will be possible. Remember to praise your child’s effort and work as a team. If questions or concerns arise take time to e-mail, call or meet with the teacher. It is extremely important that you, your child, and the teacher are all on the same page.


Picture Book The Kissing Hand
The Kissing Hand
By Audrey Penn

In this contemporary classic, Chester Raccoon seeks love and reassurance from his mother as he ventures out into the world to attend his very first day of school.

Grades 2-3
Hailstones and Halibut Bones
By Mary O’Neill

Since its original publication in 1961, Hailstones and Halibut Bones, Mary O'Neill's renowned work of poetry about the colors of the spectrum, has become a modern children's classic. This new edition, which features lavish illustrations and a fresh design, is sure to be welcomed not only by children, parents, educators, and librarians who already know and love the book, but also by a whole new generation of readers.

Mary O'Neill's imaginative poems have been left intact with all the powerful rhythm and rich language of the original. And the award-winning, critically acclaimed artist John Wallner has captured the essence of the poems with striking and colorful images.

Grades 3-7
Three Cups of Tea: Young Readers Edition
By Greg Mortensen Three Cups of Tea

This young reader’s edition of the worldwide bestseller "Three Cups of Tea" has been specially adapted and updated by Greg Mortenson to bring his remarkable story of humanitarianism up-to-date. It includes brand-new photos, maps, and illustrations, as well as a special afterword by Greg’s 12-year-old daughter, Amira, who has traveled with her father as an advocate for the Pennies for Peace program for children.

Teens
The Boy in Striped Pajamas
By John Boyne

When Bruno returns home from school one day, he discovers that his belongings are being packed in crates. His father has received a promotion and the family must move from their home to a new house far away, where there is no one to play with and nothing to do. A tall fence running alongside stretches as far as the eye can see and cuts him off from the strange people he can see in the distance.

But Bruno longs to be an explorer and decides that there must be more to this desolate new place than meets the eye. While exploring his new environment, he meets another boy whose life and circumstances are very different to his own, and their meeting results in a friendship that has devastating consequences.

Parent Resource
Books to Build on: A Grade-By-Grade Resource Guide for Parents and Teachers
By Core Knowledge Foundation Staff

The hugely successful Core Knowledge Series has told the parents of first- through sixth-graders what they need to know. Now this essential companion volume helps those parents finds the books and other resources that will allow their children to learn even more about their favorite subjects.

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Posted by: Joyce on Sep 8, 2009 at 04:19 PM
Half Price Books just had a sale. We have one about once a quarter. I think the next one will be around Thanksgiving. We have a teacher/librarian appreciation week coming up in October. I think you will get 20% off. Come in and check out our books. Sign up for the mailing list by going to the store or going to halfpricebooks.com. Have a good one.

Posted by: Joyce on Mar 8, 2009 at 11:59 AM
1/2 price books donates to schools. Come talk to me. We have been open a year.

Posted by: Derek on Dec 28, 2007 at 10:20 AM
This is full of great information that helps me with my 2 kids. Jemnifer thank you very much and keep it up.:)

Posted by: Anna on Nov 17, 2007 at 02:47 PM
I think I have found a great reason to go on this website. Thanks for all you do Jennifer Di Ruocco.

Posted by: Robin on Nov 13, 2007 at 08:28 AM
Looking forward to hearing from Mrs. Di Ruocco monthly. She really cares about each and every student and loves them like her own. She is a wonderful and loving teacher. Keep doing what you do!

Posted by: Jenny Murnane on Nov 4, 2007 at 10:38 PM
It's so nice to be able to hear from a caring and passionate teacher about her advice and tips on helping kids learn. Thanks for all you do!

In The Classroom