Homework Help

Homework Help for Kids of All Ages

If you have a school-age child who is struggling with homework completion, you know how stressful the homework hassle can be for the family. Try taking a step back and considering the many ways in which you can provide and arrange for homework help.

• Talk with your child about homework. Chat with your child to help him or her gain understanding of the purpose of school and how homework is a vital part of the long-term learning process. Talk to children about what they like and dislike about school and why. Let them know that they can come to you at any time if homework or tests are proving problematic.
• Stay in touch with teachers. Plan to meet with your child’s teacher several times per year. Early on, arrange a meeting including you, your child and the teacher. Ask the teacher to explain the purpose of the homework assigned, how it is scored, and how it factors into the final grade. The teacher can provide study tips for specific assignments and can help the child with a system for writing down homework assignments and taking the right study materials home daily.
• Establish a set homework routine. Work with your child to establish a regular time, place, and environment for homework—without music blaring or the television playing, and without access to the phone for texting with friends. Having a quiet, undisturbed and organized place to do homework is vital.
• Consider local homework help. If your child seems to need more learning resources than you can provide directly, remember that many local libraries offer after-school tutoring programs. Homework coaches at libraries can help students with their assignments. All ages are typically welcome, although younger students may receive priority.
• Check out college tutoring centers. Area colleges often maintain lists of local tutors who are willing to work with K-12 students.
• Find a peer tutor. Sometimes a child doesn't need another teacher, but rather someone in the same class or an older student who has mastered the subject matter and can provide a supportive study relationship. The child’s teacher should be a good resource for identifying such individuals.
• Get help online. Your local library may offer free internet-based one-on-one homework help. The student may need a library card for login access. Students of all ages often are welcome. Also, through subscription sites like Tutor.com and BrainFuse.com, students can get live homework help in subjects such as math, science, writing, social studies, economics and English.
• Tap a professional tutor. Websites such as TutorMatch and Wyzant offer tutor profiles, specialties and pricing specific to your area.