Calming the Homework Rush

“My kid always rushes through her homework!” I hear this complaint from many parents. As adults, it’s difficult for us to understand why our children can’t slow down, take time to focus, and check their work.

Rushing is not a serious issue if your child occasionally races through homework because she has “better things to do.”  Rushing only becomes a problem when your child can’t slow down, seems unmotivated to do well, and often turns in work that is inaccurate and contains careless errors. For this type of student, rushing is frequently a daily habit. Our tutors can help, and as a parent, you can also implement strategies. More on homework tips here.

In Praise of Praise -- The Right Words Can Motivate Your Child

Praise is a powerful tool, especially when it comes to homework. Research shows that by simply praising effort rather than intelligence, kids will develop greater motivation to keep trying, even when the going gets tough.

Dr. Carol Dweck conducted a landmark study on the effects of praise on 400 fifth graders.  One at a time, the children were given a fairly easy, non-verbal IQ test.  After randomly dividing the children, some were praised for their intelligence ("You must be smart at this") and the others were praised for their effort ("You must have worked really hard"). more on motivating students here.

Additional articles on education and parenting can be found in the Resources section of our webiste.

Navigating the College Admissions Process: Helpful Websites 

At this time of year, college-bound high school seniors often need some guidance as they finalize their list of schools and complete the college applications and essays.  We think you will find the following two resources helpful. 

The first website, www.collegeapps.about.com is presented by Allen Grove, an English professor and freelance writer, with degrees from M.I.T. and Penn.  Read on...

FREE PRACTICE ACT AND SAT TESTS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24 - 1PM TO 5PM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11 - 8:45am to 12:45pm

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23 - 10am to 2pm

MONDAY, DECEMBER 27 - 9am to 1pm

Our office at: 3923 University Dr. Fairfax, VA

Mark your calendars!  

Due to the popularity of our proctored exams, we are once again offering free, no-obligation, proctored ACT and SAT practice exams.

This is a great opportunity for students to take the ACT or SAT under actual test-like conditions prior to sitting for the "real" thing.  Students will receive a detailed score report which includes an analysis of their strengths and weaknesses.  

Space is limited, so contact our office today at 703.934.8282 or info@ectutoring.com to register.

Is Your Child a Rusher? 

Take This Quiz From My Book Available on Amazon.com

Homework Made Simple

Tips, Tools, and Solutions for Stress-Free Homework

Test It Out!

A - Usually   B-Sometimes   C-Rarely

Homework is completed quickly with little attention to detail.  A B C

My child's grades suffer because of careless mistakes.  A B C

I argue with my child over the quality of homework.  A B C

Homework is done so quickly that handwriting is messy or illegible.  A B C

His binder is messy with papers shoved into random places. A B C

My child isn't motivated to do his/her best work, just to get it done.  A B C

My child avoids editing/proofreading or revising written work.  A B C

Teachers have reported that my child is capable of higher quality work if only he/she would take the time.  A B C

If you answered "usually" (As) or "sometimes" (B's) to the majority of these questions, your child will benefit from strategies to reduce rushing. 

Take a Look at Our Upcoming Parent Workshops

11/15/10 6:30 – 8:00pm Hammond Middle School - 5 Proven Strategies for Raising an Academically Successful Student

11/16/10 7:00 – 8:30pm Cunningham Park Elementary - 5 Proven Strategies

11/17/10 7:30 – 9:00pm Marshall Road Elementary - Homework Made Simple

11/18/10 9:30 – 10:30am Great Falls Elementary - Homework Made Simple

11/30/10  Hopkinton, Massachusetts School District - Homework Made Simple

12/6/10 7:00 – 8:30pm Liberty Elementary - 5 Proven Strategies

12/7/10 7:00 – 8:00pm Auburn School - Improving Executive Functioning Skills

Click here for a full list of upcoming presentations and topics in your area or to schedule a school workshop.

See our article in last week's...