As students begin a new semester, this is the perfect time to establish some new routines to improve the process of doing homework. The first question to ask yourself is, “If there is one thing I could improve about homework, what would it be?” The first answer that probably came to mind was, “Get rid of it!” Honestly, that would be my first response, too. However, homework is a fact-of-life and serves a very good purpose (whether we like it or not), so let’s try that again… ** If You Could Improve One Thing about Homework, What Would It Be? ** - Perhaps you feel that you (or your child) take too much time to do homework. - Or, maybe homework causes a lot of arguments in your home and you would like to experience some peace. - Is your teacher complaining that lost assignments are dragging down your grade? - Do your parents often complain that you lvnv wait for the “last minute” to tell them about important things, such as the supplies you need for that science fair project…tomorrow?! ** Action Plan ** Now that you know the problem, create a solution! Once you have recognized a specific problem, it is much easier to identify a solution. The best solutions are systems; procedures or routines that help you simplify the issue and develop positive habits to overcome it. I could write a full chapter on each of the problems above, but here are some quick examples of “solution systems” for each one: - If you fight to stay focused while doing homework, set an electronic timer for the amount of time you think an assignment should take and challenge yourself to beat the timer. - If lost assignments are your issue, you may first need to reduce the number of folders that you (or your child) have to manage.