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Is that really the sun and warm weather, I see
actually creeping into view? Did somebody say
school vacation is coming up soon? Well then, it
must be spring!! Doesn't it feel great to be
outside in the sun? While you are out cleaning up
your yard and planting spring bulbs, your child is
just as excited about these longer days with more
sunlight - more time to play, right? Maybe...? Your
child has definitely been bitten by the "Spring
Fever" Bug!! But, with "Spring Fever", also comes
the struggle of getting your child to complete
those nightly homework assignments. I wonder if
teachers ever get "Spring Fever", and forget to
give homework assignments? I don't think so!!
How can you accomplish the task of getting your
child to finish his homework without an argument?
Remember that the biggest part of the struggle is
fueled by your reactions, which your child is VERY
tuned into. Your child is going to know just which
buttons to push in order to drag you into the
"Homework Avoidance Game". Only two players are
needed to play this game; the "Homework Enforcer"
and the "Homework Avoider". The "Homework
Avoider's" task is to use any and all excuses, that
can be thought of, to get out of doing the
homework. The "Homework Enforcer's" job is to
contain "the Avoider" in one space for as long as
it takes until the homework is complete. The game
is really very simple to play but extremely wearing
and draining on the players. By the end of the game
both players are exhausted and neither one of them
likes the other person very much.
Helpful Tips For Parents:
. Don't play the game - set up the rules, make
them simple, clear, and consistent.
. Parents of third and fourth graders will need
to make sure their children get to bed early during
the weeks of MCAS and IOWA Testing.
. Make sure that your child gets a nutritious
breakfast on the mornings they will be taking their
tests - children need that nourishment to fuel
their brain cells and give them extra energy -
testing is very exhausting.
. Taking a bath or shower before bed will relax
your child, and help them to settle into bed.
Reading a story will help them to fall asleep
easily.
. Testing often results in children being tense
and nervous, be aware for signs of stress in your
child. Take time to talk about the testing with
them, this may help reduce some of the pressure
they are putting on themselves.
. Plan a simple fun activity for your child at
night that week - something to look forward to
after testing i.e. bike ride together, go for an
ice cream, picnic supper, family ball game, walk
along the beach
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