STUDY SKILLS

How To Get Started with Homework

 WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF
HOMEWORK?
• A chance to practice what you’ve learned in school
• Practice is important because it helps you master important skills
• A chance to review and ask questions before moving onto the next learning objective
 WHERE IS HOMEWORK DONE?
• Choose a designated homework space
• A small desk with supplies is the best place, but a kitchen table works too
• Choose a place away from distractions (ie: not in front of the TV)
• Maybe sit near your parents, so they can help you stay focused
• Don’t do homework in a place designated for something else – like your bed – that’s where
you sleep
 WHEN TO DO HOMEWORK?
• Right after school is the perfect time to do homework - It’s still fresh in your mind!
• If you have sports or other activities after school, you can do homework once you get home
– Just try to do it on the same day it was assigned
• Add homework time into your daily schedule – Make sure to stick to it!
• Homework shouldn’t follow something fun (e.g. TV, friends, sports) because it’ll seem even
more awful
• Choose a transition activity before doing homework, like cleaning, helping make dinner –
Homework will seem more appealing after doing a less fun activity
 HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD
HOMEWORK TAKE?
• Time spent on homework should be appropriate for a student’s age - E.g. 30-45 mins for
young students, 1 hour for late elementary and 2 hours for middle school and high school
students
• If you exceed the amount of time in your age range, you should contact your teacher to
discuss accommodations
• Remember that a little homework is better than no homework 
 TIPS AND TRICKS
• Homework is practice – Perfection shouldn’t be expected. It’s OK to make mistakes 
• If you’re not sure about a question, put a little star next to it and come back later or ask your
teacher the next time you’re in class
• If you’re having a hard time getting started, set a short timer (5 minutes) and work
continuously for those 5 minutes. Take a break if you need and start again.
• If you get frustrated, take a break and go for a walk or sit in the sun – often your thoughts
will wonder and you’ll think of a solution to the problem!
• Reward yourself after you’ve finished your homework (or have done the maximum amount
of time) – Don’t reward yourself until then – Yes, that means put the phone away or on
airplane mode