|
|
|
|
|
This month's theme:
Homework Planners: Why and How
|
|
Hey there,
YES, your child needs one!
NO, it's not impossible to build the habit of using homework planners adequately.
Helping your child become more organized in school is about more than just getting homework done. It's about creating a life-long habit that will help your child juggle responsibilities as an adult.
Here's a list of our planner MUSTs . . .
1) You have to PP . . . 'personalize planning'.
Students must choose a planner that is tailored to their preferences and learning needs; involve them in the selection process. Talk to your child's teachers and support-professionals for guidance. They might even work with your child to design a customized planner; then walk it over to a print shop, bind it, and you're good to go.
Consider whether your child needs a planner designed to list assignments, test dates, and special events. Your child may also benefit from planners that allow you to log estimated vs. actual time taken to complete tasks. The 'cherry on top of the sundae' would be a planner that reminds your child to check in with themselves to evaluate what worked, what didn’t, and to set academic and personal goals accordingly.
Remember! Planners are not only for scheduling have-to's. Students should be encouraged to schedule their want-to's as well. A balanced life is the ultimate goal (for them and for us).
|
|
2) Keep the planner accessible (along with a pencil or pen).
Appointments, ideas, and task updates pop up throughout the day. Students must keep their planner handy to keep track of it all. That includes keeping a pencil or pen in the spiral binding or a planner pocket. Have a conversation about how relying on your memory doesn't always work. Jot it down!
|
|
3) Use binder clips or removable page-corners to mark your current page.
Making the planning process as easy as possible will help to build and maintain the habit. If you spend the bulk of your time flipping through pages, finding your spot, and looking for tasks or appointments, you are less likely to want to use your planner.
|
|
4) Schedule time to check the planner.
In addition to using a planner as needed, students must have scheduled times to check or update their planners. For example:
- An evening check to prepare and pack for the following day
- A morning check, as you pack to leave for the day
- A Sunday check for a snapshot of the week (e.g., you'll make sure to get your studying and projects done before the Thursday soccer game)
- At the end of each class
- At your locker at the end of the day, as you pack to go home
- At home during homework time
|
|
5) Develop your system over time.
Over time, your child will develop a system to make the best of the planner. This may include color-coding with highlighters, writing 'like you're texting' to jot things down quickly, using more detailed descriptions as needed, etc.
|
|
|
Quick Links
You have the need. We have the know-how you need.
You're one click away . . .
|
|
|
|
A Parent’s Guide to Choosing an Academic Tutor
|
|
|
The Semirosas Newsletter is published by Angela Y. León, Founder + Owner of Semirosas. Learn more about our specialized, tailored approach by visiting our website or contacting us:
- www.semirosas.com
- Angela.Leon@semirosas.com
- (551)257-3645
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
