Tips To Help Your Child Through Sixth Grade

Starting in sixth grade homework often becomes more of a reality for children and parents. Children often have homework on a daily basis, sometimes requiring an hour or more a night. Class work also becomes more difficult with more abstract concepts being introduced (such as pre-algebra). The increase in amount and difficulty of homework can be a burden for children and for parents. Often children require significant amounts of help for some work, and sometimes parents aren't even sure of how to do the work themselves, let alone help their child with it. In order to make homework go more smoothly, set aside a scheduled time every day for homework. Some children are more productive right when they get home from school, while others do better after having some time to relax. Choose a time of evening that works best for your child and a time when you will be available to help. Limit television, recreational computer use, and videogames during the week. Have a specific place in your house designated for homework time. Have available pencils, pens, paper, a dictionary and thesaurus, and any other materials your child may need such as a stapler, calculator, white out, and paper clips. Some homework projects require a computer and/or the internet. If you don't have one available, be willing to bring your child to the local library. Sometimes students can stay after school to use the school library, so try to arrange for your child to have a ride home if they need to stay after. Encourage your child to exchange phone numbers with other students in the classes so if they forget the assignment, are absent, or need some advice, they have a person to call.

Often parents say that their child is getting too much homework. If you think this is the case, do not hesitate to call your child's teacher. There could be a good explanation for the amount of work your child is bringing home. Sometimes children goof off in class during work time, leading to more homework at night. Sometimes children wait until the night before a big project is due to start working on it. If you know the reason for the amount of homework your child is bringing home, then you can help solve the problem.

Some parents are worried because their child does not bring home enough work. If you are worried about this, once again call the child's teachers. Often children would rather receive a poor grade instead of finishing their work at home. Other children rush through their work so they can finish it at school, often leading to a poor grade. If your child is not finishing his/her work, frequent contact with teachers usually helps solve the problem. Also encourage your child to keep an assignment notebook, and remember to check it every day. Offering your child an incentive for filling it out and bringing it home can help children remember to use it.

Sometimes the school work assigned is very difficult for the child, and is hard for the parent to understand and explain well. If this is the case, you will want to get someone the help your child if they need it. Many schools offer a homework clinic where teachers stay after school to help with school work. Often the teacher will offer to stay after school with your child if he/she is requiring more assistance. Maybe a friendly neighbor can help your child with the more difficult homework. These are just some ideas to help you child receive the help needed to earn good grades.

Peer relationships take on more importance as your child gets older. They want to be accepted by their peers, and will often go to great lengths to achieve this. Often children at this age start to worry more about their looks and clothes. As a parent, this can often be frustrating and confusing. Don't put down your child for being more self-conscious at this age. The best thing for a parent to do is to support and reassure their child that they are worthy of having friends and a good person just the way they are. Some children sometimes make poor choices at this age when choosing who to be friends with and recreational activities. Some children try smoking, drinking, and possibly illegal drugs during this time. Relationships with the opposite sex become more important and serious. It is very important that you know where your child is at all times and what they are doing. Do not let them go to friends' houses without parental supervision, and don't let your child have friends over if you aren't home. It would probably be a good idea to communicate with your child's friends' parents often.

It is important for children to be allowed to pursue interests outside of academics and hanging out with friends. If your child is interested in sports, make sure you sign him/her up for teams and be available to drive you child to games and practices. Schools often have non-sport activities, such as school plays, drama club, or yearbook. Research the opportunities at your child's school and encourage and support their involvement. If you attend church, maybe your child would be interested in going to youth groups. Whatever activity your child chooses to participate in, you as their parent must support their decision by driving to meetings, attending games, and showing excitement for your child's accomplishments.

Sixth grade can be a stressful year for parents and children. Children are becoming more independent, peers take on more importance, and schoolwork becomes more demanding. As the parent of a sixth grader it is your responsibility to make sure your child is being successful in school, choosing appropriate friends and activities. Just remember that with love, attention, and your caring and support your child can make it through this school year successfully.