Tips for parents

Encourage your child to talk about his/her day at school and be a good listener.

Tips for students

Talk to your family about what you learned or are learning at school.

Make sure to read and sign your child’s agenda on a daily basis. The agenda can also be used as a tool for communicating with your child’s teacher.

Record your homework in an agenda, notebook or planner daily and know what you are expected to hand in or do.

Turn everyday activities into learning opportunities. Search newspapers, read recipes, create shopping lists, plot out routes on maps, and read directions.

Depending on your learning style, you may want to consider listening to an iPod or CD if this will help you keep your focus.
Teach your new learning to a friend, sibling or relative.

Encourage curiosity and questioning. Learning really begins when children start asking questions such as, Who/Qui?, What/Quoi? Qu’est-ce que?, Where/Où?, When/Quand? and Why/Pourquoi? These are magical words of discovery that make learning more interesting and fun.

Reflect on the learning goals.
Be inquisitive.

Monitor and encourage your child’s progress and homework completion.

Create a homework plan.
Prioritize deadlines and break down your homework time.
Concentrate on one task at a time.
Remember to take study breaks.

Participate appropriately in homework experiences (e.g., clarify expectations, establish homework routines, provide a suitable environment and provide guidance as needed).

Don’t wait until the last minute (give yourself some extra time in case you need to contact a friend).

Ensure that your child has the proper tools and supplies to complete his/her homework (e.g., computer/internet access, pen, pencil, eraser, pencil sharpener, scissors, tape, paper clips, ruler, highlighters, paper and French books).

Make sure to have resources or websites on hand for easy access such as online dictionaries, encyclopedias, spell checkers and thesaurus.

Organize the materials you need before you start so that you can fully concentrate on the task at hand (not having to get up to get supplies).
Find a space where you can do your homework that is large enough for you to spread out your work if need be.

Recognize your child’s efforts and motivate with praise.

Stick with it and give yourself an incentive to finish your work.
Maintain a positive attitude.

Ensure you find a balance between homework and other activities.

Avoid distractions such as TV, video games, phone conversations, instant messaging and surfing the web.
Consider a study group.

Repetition reinforces learning. Practice makes perfect!

Repetition reinforces learning. Practice makes perfect!

Know what’s going on at school. Strong communication between you and the school develops a positive learning experience.

Remember to always get help when you need it (e.g., parent, friend and teacher).