Madeline started getting homework for the first time this year. It was hard to believe that my little girl was really old enough to complete homework! Yikes! When did she get so grown up?!
When she sat down to do her first assignment it seemed important to establish some good homework habits right from the get-go. I knew that I would thank myself for establishing these habits later!
These habits include routines such as:
- sitting at the quiet table to do her assignments.
- starting her homework at around the same time each day.
- writing her name at the top of her papers.
- asking for help when she is unsure.
- checking her work when she completes it.
- trying her best on each assignment.
She doesn’t have a desk where she can do her work at home, but I know from my days as a teacher that having a space dedicated for homework is a crucial aspect to making students successful at home. So, I created a section for Madeline at our dining room table where she can sit each day to do her assignments.
We have a wide variety of art supplies at home that I discussed here, but I want Madeline to able to have her homework supplies well-organized and at her fingertips. So, I put together a small homework caddy that she can use exclusively for her homework and so we don’t have to start searching for a sharpened pencil or some decent crayons when it is homework time. Here is what I came up with….
The following items are included in Madeline’s homework caddy:
- several sharpened pencils
- a pencil sharpener
- several erasers
- crayons
- markers
- a glue stick
- crayons
Other items that would be helpful to include are:
- a ruler
- scotch tape
- paper clips
- a stapler
Having her own special homework caddy makes it easy for Madeline to get started on her assignments because she has all of her tools and supplies organized and ready in her caddy. On days when we need to do homework on the go, she can bring her tiny caddy with her and still have all of the tools that she needs on hand.
How have you helped to establish positive homework habits with your children? I’d love to hear your insights!
About Kimberly
A caddie just for homework is a fantastic idea. I will be putting this together today.
LOVE this article! As a teacher, I couldn’t agree more with establishing homework routines early on. I think that the benefits of this down the road will be life-changing! Having ownership over a spot at the table and a personal caddy just makes doing her work that much more meaningful for her. Can’t wait to establish a similar system when I have children!
I am so glad that you like this idea! I know it has worked wonders in my family!
I totally agree with establishing a routine for homework. I did the same thing with Marty when he was little. As he got older and involved in sports, he knew that his homework needed to be done beforehand. Otherwise he was not able to go to baseball or football practice. Kids need structure as they are growing up. Believe it or not, as they grow up, they take with them what is taught to them early in life. Later on, it is easy for them to adapt to any type of routine.
I love the articles you girls come up with. You guys are awesome!