Homework and Study Habits « Medford Public Schools

Homework and Study Habits

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To become a successful student, you need:

You need a good place to do your homework

You need the proper supplies to complete your assignments

Make sure you have the supplies you need. They could include: (pencils, pens, paper, highlighted pens, eraser, ruler, calculator, dictionary/thesaurus, calendar)
If you are going to use a computer, make sure it is working properly, and that you know how to access / save your work.
Have two folders, labeled “work in progress’ and “completed work”.

You need to organize your time

Set aside a special time everyday for your work. Earlier in the evening is best, or in the afternoon before supper.
On the weekend, choose times when you are most alert.
Set yourself a goal to finish within a certain time limit.
Then, set a beginning and end time.
Lastly, do not leave assignments until the night before they are due, because you are unlikely to have access to the supports you need to complete the assignment. Plan ahead!

You need to organize yourself

Gather everything you will need to complete your tasks. (Remember to include your homework notebook, or the assignment sheet given to you by the teacher.)
Divide big assignments into smaller, more workable tasks.
Set a time for each task. You can use a clock if needed.
Check your calendar for the due dates of assignments, and fill in any new deadlines.
Check your homework notebook for work to be completed for the following day.
Divide your time into: review, reading and writing time, on-going project or research time.
You may want to work from a list and check it off as you complete each task. This serves to give you a sense of accomplishment.
Remember you owe it to yourself to always do your best work. Have pride in what you do. It will make you feel more successful.

What to do if you need help?

Decide what questions you need to ask. This will assist the person who is helping you.
If at school, you can ask your teacher.
If at home, you could ask a parent or guardian.
You could ask a bigger brother or sister, if you have one.
You could ask an after school counselor, if you go there after school.
Lastly, you could call a friend.

Writing Skills

Deicide who your audience is, this will help you determine your writing style.
Brainstorm your ideas, make webs or cluster or lists. You may use graphic organizers, or topic planners.
Organize your ideas into a proper sequence.
Write a rough draft to get your ideas on paper.
Read the draft aloud to check for mistakes.
Revise your work.
Edit your work.
Write a Good copy, and check it.
Write the Final copy.

Reading Skills

Determine your purpose for reading.
Highlight main ideas, and make/jot notes as you go along.
Look up unfamiliar words, and record them in your individual vocabulary book.
Review the information you read to help you remember it.
Keep your recorded information in a topic planner, and store it in alphabetical order, so it is easy to find.
If you are reading with a study partner, ask each other questions, covering the questions – who, what , why, when, where, and how?
Keep a reading log.

Math Skills

First, clear your head and THINK Math!
Take some time to warm up – do a few quick brainteasers, review the times tables or number facts.
Remember to read the directions and break down the questions into steps that are easier to follow.
Check examples that have been given to you.
Keep your own Math dictionary in which you put examples of how computations are done. (For example: The steps involved in long multiplication).
Record all formulas and memorize them. (For example: area, perimeter, etc.)
Memorize the times-tables.
Have copies of the times-tables for reference, if you have not memorized them.
Math skills require constant review.

Preparing for Tests & Exams

Make sure you have all your notes in order and that important information is highlighted.
Make a list of things you need to know for the test.
Some people study with a partner. To review information orally, take turns quizzing each other.
Organize your study time to prepare well. Do not cram the night before.

Successful Homework Strategies for Parents or Guardians to Help their Children

Schedule homework / home study on a regular basis with your child.
Check your child’s work and provide immediate feedback.
Help him or her with corrections.
Make homework a top priority.
Provide necessary supplies and a quiet homework environment.
Provide praise and positive support when homework is completed.
Help return homework to class by the due date.
Be aware of grade level and teacher standards for work and behavior.
Be aware of the unit study your child is involved in and check for understanding.
Check to be sure your child’s backpack and pocket folder is emptied daily.
Provide a place in your home for all papers that require parental attention.
Encourage your child to place homework and other items in the backpack to return to school.
Organize a space for your child with good lighting and materials for completing homework.
Minimize interruptions.
Encourage and praise your child to stay on task and complete work.
When appropriate, encourage your child to work independently on activities.
Set rules of conduct during study time.
Contact your child’s teacher if problems arise when completing homework.
Check your child’s work before it is placed in the backpack.
Attend school functions and parent conferences.
Increase your child’s level of home responsibilities when appropriate.
Make learning a priority in your home!