Parents ask: How can I keep my elementary school child on-task while completing homework?

Keeping our kids on-task while they complete homework tasks is  difficult. 

Here are some suggestions that may help:

1.  Allow your child a break every 15 to 20 minutes.

2.  Help your child break the assignment into small parts (bite-sized pieces) so he won't be overwhelmed (e.g., 5 math problems at a time).

3.  Give reinforcement for each completed part and encourage him to use a chart to mark off completed tasks.

4.  Allow your child to use learning aides, computers, calculators (if appropriate and approved by the teacher)

5.  Be sure your child is comfortable (environment, clothing, etc) while doing homework.

6.  Allow your child to choose which assignment she would like to complete first.

7.  Consider allowing your child to work with a "study buddy."

8.  If your child is struggling with the assignment, assist her by presenting the information in another format (read aloud, create a visual, etc)

9.  Play soft background music without lyrics.

10.  Allow the student to stand or walk a little as long as he remains on task.