The dreaded zero grade is a familiar penalty for late or incomplete homework assignments. Even the very highest test scores can't offset the damage of low homework grades, especially zeroes, if they occur on a regular basis.



The first critical step for students to turn in complete assignments on time is to be sure they bring home all the assignment requirements and directions the teachers gave at school.



Successfully laying out complete assignment instructions before beginning homework is the first of several steps in getting organized for academic success.



Here are three tips to help your child develop the organizational habits of accurately writing down, bringing home, and effectively using directions the teacher gave for homework assignments:



Tip 1 - Choose one specific place to always write assignments.



Many middle and high schools require students use a dedicated assignment book. If this is not the case at your child's school, he could set aside an assignment section at the front of a multi-subject binder.



One specific single assignment place creates stability and certainty. Scribbled assignments taken down on whatever book page or note sheet is handy may work for a few students, but for those who can't readily produce assignment information that way, the stability of a single location is essential. Many adults use a similar technique of always putting their car keys in the same spot to save having to search for them.



A single designated assignment sheet permits student and parents to more easily and quickly schedule needed homework time. When all the assignments are written on the same page (or two side by side pages) the student and parent can more easily see at a glance how much work is there to be done that evening. The alternative, assignment notes that can't be found, or can't be read frustrates both parents and students, wastes time, and delays getting started on actually completing assignments. This can reduce the student's ability to work efficiently and effectively on homework or projects.



The assignment book (or notebook containing assignment sheets) must be consistently placed in the student's multi-subject binder or a specific pocket in the book bag. Some students are able to keep track of the assignment book by placing it on top of a stack of books as they head for class. If the student is having any difficulty keeping up with the assignment book, it will be NECESSARY to have a specific place to keep it when going from class to class or to or from school.



Tip 2 - The assignment book or multi-subject binder with assignment sheets should always go home with the student.



The "assignment book always goes home" rule is important, because parents may find that "no homework" means there was no specific written assignment, but neglects the fact that a big test is scheduled in two or three days and the teacher said homework for that evening was "Study for the test."



Building the habit of always bringing the assignment book or sheet home helps avoid accidentally leaving it behind on days when there is homework.



Tip 3 - The assignment book should be reviewed at the end of the homework period whether or not there were homework assignments for that evening.



A careful review helps parents spot gaps when the student may have incompletely or incorrectly recorded or completed assignments.



Review helps fine tune the student's schedule for completing specific homework, completing long-term projects and papers, or studying for tests or quizzes. This fine tuning on scheduling can pay big dividends in higher test and project grades and less stress studying for tests.



Successfully reviewing and storing completed homework, packing the assignment book and textbooks, and zipping the binder for the next day leads to a feeling of satisfaction as the day ends.



Copyright (c) 2008 Columbia Jones

Article Source: http://www.classesandcareers.net/education

For a FREE teleseminar Q&A session featuring most frequently asked questions about academic success through better organizational skills, and to submit your question, go to www.askcolumbiajones.com . For more information on the full "No More Zeroes" strategy to help your child turn in complete assignments on time, go to www.nomorezeroes.com . From Columbia Jones -- Creator of the Pace-It Instant Organizer System for Students

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 5 4 out of 5 3 out of 5 2 out of 5 1 out of 5  

Not yet Rated