Helpful Hints

Homework Helpers


With the start of a new school year comes a new routine, a new teacher, a new set of responsibilities and not to mention, a new load of homework! 


To ensure that your child is maximizing his/her potential both inside and outside of the classroom, the Rainbow District School Board has created Homework Helpers – five simple tips that will help you improve your child’s academic performance in Rainbow Schools.

Tip #1 - 6:00 o’clock is Homework Time
Setting a regular time for homework is imperative for student success.  By developing a consistent schedule, your child will learn many important lessons that go beyond homework.  While completing school assignments, your child will learn the value and importance of homework and, above all, will develop good habits that will last a lifetime.

Tip #2 – F Stands for Focus
Before your child begins homework, it’s always a good idea to ensure that he/she is 100 per cent focused on the task(s) at hand, whether that means reading in silence or working with quiet background music.  Turning off the television and discouraging telephone calls will improve your child’s focus.  If your child is distracted because of social or emotional problems, talk about it.  Remember: communication is the key.

Tip #3 - Spark Some Interest and Concern
As a parent, it’s important that you show interest in and concern for your child’s academic and social activities.  While it may seem obvious and easy to do, busy schedules force us to forget about our child’s other life the one that is outside of home.  All it takes is 15 minutes a day.  By taking the time to listen and talk to your child about a test, tonight’s assignment or the upcoming Science Fair, you will be strengthening the lines of communication while building support between you, your child and the school.

Tip #4 – Tools of the Task
Providing the necessary supplies and resources will allow your child to be one step closer to successfully completed assignments.  From sharpened pencils to a personal computer, children should have access to tools for school both inside and outside of the classroom.  If you do not have home computer, please take advantage of computers in local libraries.

Tip# 5 – You Set the Pace
Encourage your child to do his/her homework by working on your tasks around the house during homework time.  Whether you’re reading today’s paper, paying your bills or simply drafting a grocery list, your child will be more motivated to work when he/she sees you doing the same.  By setting good examples, parents not only help create a positive learning environment for their child, they also enhance the learning process by promoting both academic and social growth.

HOMEWORK TIME GUIDELINES

To ensure that your child successfully completes homework, the Rainbow District School Board has prepared time guidelines.  This will give you an idea of how much time your child should spend on homework each night.  Please note that the following chart should be used as a general guide only.

Grade                         Time Guidelines
JK - Grade 3                10 – 30 minutes
Grade 4 - Grade 6        30 – 60 minutes
Grade 7 - Grade 8        60 – 90 minutes

WHY HOMEWORK?
  • It builds effective study habits.
  • It establishes routines.
  • It develops personal responsibility.
  • It supports the development of academic skills.
  • It reinforces student learning.
  • It creates partnerships between the school and the home.