ABC's of a Great Start to School

As you anticipate the new school year, think about setting up ways to jump-start the learning. Here are some practical ideas as you set up a homework environment for your learners.

Think about forming new habits to usher in a positive start for your children. For example, as you think of homework, do you anticipate a good year or does your heart sink? I can almost hear a collective heavy sigh coming as you think of the potential homework hassles starting up again. Let's look at how you can turn those homework hassles into healthy homework habits.

Let's utilize your student's learning style to set up a homework environment conducive for successful study strategies! It can be as simple as A-B-C!

A: Attitude is everything! Share with your child that homework is important. It isn't a punishment given by the teacher, but rather, an opportunity to enhance what is being taught in the classroom. If you are positive about homework, your attitude is contagious to the children.

B: Believe in your child! You build up your child's confidence when you communicate that you believe in him and how he/she learns. It can be difficult to be a student and be in classes all daythat may or may not be presented in the way he/she learns best. It is very draining if one feels stupid and can't "get it", even with a great deal of effort put forth.

C: Communicate with your child. When you say, "Let's work together to set up a homework area that helps the way you learn. Help me to understand how you learn so we can set this up to make it easier for you to do your homework." Try something out and if it does not help, then move to plan B.

Analytic or Global?

For starters, is your student more analytic or global? For example, if your child tends to process things in a sequential, logical manner, she is probably more of an analytical learner. These students see the details first, then the patterns and finally the whole pictures. In other words, they go from part to whole. Whereas the global learner sees the whole picture first, then the patterns and finally the details. If your child is more creative and thinks outside the box, he/she may be more global.

Applying to Learning

Wonder why some students do not get overwhelmed with doing their homework? They are usually analytic! Yep, they go from the part to the whole, step by step. They see one problem at a time; complete it and go on to the next. They usually don't whine, they simply get it done. Why? They only saw one part at a time, focused it in accomplished it, then went to the next. Step by step, the work isn't as over-whelming.

Whereas the global students seek the whole thing, gets overwhelmed, feels certain they can't get it all done, shuts down and may not finishe the task. It is not a factor of IQ. It is a matter of brain functioning.

Here's the secret to helping your global student. For example, if your student has a whole page of math problems, let your child select a piece of colored paper in their favorite color (except if they like black or red..encourage them to go to their second choice) and cut out a 1" x 2" rectangle in the center of the paper. Your student puts this colored paper over the page of math problems they are doing, and then focuses in on what is in the rectangle. They do the problem in the rectangle and then move the paper. See what we are doing? We're blocking out the rest of the page. It keeps them from getting overwhelmed.


Take a look at this comparison when it comes to how these two different learners prefer to work:

Analytic Learners: bright light, quiet atmosphere, prefer sitting at a desk or table

Global Learners: soft light, some sound, prefer sitting on the floor, couch or bed

Let's face it, it may not be possible for every student to learn in their optimum learning style environment at school. But at home, every student is a good student because we can set up Homework Environments where every child can learn, and will love to learn!

Setting Up the Homework Scene at Home

On the home scene, well-meaning parents often purchase a desk, chair and lamp to set up a nice homework environment for their students. But when they go in to check on the homework status, they discover the desk has become a holding place for stuff and their students are on the floor or on the bed. Or asleep at the desk! Yikes! What is a parent to do? Translation: the parent has set up an analytic learning environment and the child may be more of a global learner.

Every child learns differently and as such, your child may not fit into one of these neat and tidy little categories. Remember, these are just general guidelines to help you get started.

Here's Another Brain Tip For You

For students who need the sound component when they work, there is one important thing to remember. A background sound that has words forms word pictures in the brain. Your student may try to assure you that having television or loud rock music playing is not a problem. Well, it is. Well-documented research has shown that classical music is better for brain development.

While most children do not want to hear this at first, they do have an antenna for truth. Try this conversation:

You: "When you study with things that distract you, the brain doesn't learn as fast or remember the information. I want you to do as well as you can in school. I know you want to spend as little as time as possible on homework. Therefore, you may choose to study quietly or if you need sound, you may have classical music or some neutral sound such as a fan. Which do you choose?"

Child: "But I know I learn better with the television on."

You: "Bring me the research that proves the brain works better with television and then we will discuss the possibility."

Don't worry, there is nothing to substantiate this and you are on safe ground!!

To turn homework hassles into positive homework habits, look at your attitude. Have you taken time today to tell your child that you believe in them and you know they can do it? Communicate with your child that you want to work together to set up a homework environment that works for your child's learning style. Experiemtn until you find what works for your student. You will see an observable difference when you find the one that works.

You have taken the first step in forming healthy homework habits. Congratulations!

Encouragement energizes us and helps us in the process.

For more information on helping find your child's learning style, check out the articles on my website.