Beyond the homework basics — the routine of a regular time and place, plus having at hand the supplies to get the job done — good organization is one of the keys to homework success. You can help youngsters learn how to organize information, mat
Organization is particularly important with long-term reading and writing projects like research or book reports.
1. Start with questions to make sure your child understands the assignment: When is the report due? Did the teacher specify a topic, type of book, author or other information sources? Is there a format, required length or set of questions for the report?
2. Next, help your child break down the assignment into a series of small steps and list them with dates for completing each step. For example, the list might include:
• Talk to teachers and friends about the assignment and recommended reading. Be sure you’re clear on the teacher’s instruction.
• Go to the library or bookstore to select the book(s) or other reading materials you’ll need.
• Estimate how much time it will take to complete the reading or estimate how many pages a day will have to be read in the time available.
• Estimate how much time it will take to write the report (allow at least two drafts).
• Consider other events, exams or assignments occurring during the same time period
3. Once your child has a plan, track his or her progress on a graph or chart, or just talk about the project casually but regularly. Celebrate when the reading is finished and again when the report is done.
