AS A teacher, I always hear the moans and groans of some of my pupils each time I give them an assignment. But giving homework is very necessary. It will give the pupils a greater understanding of the lesson taught because it serves as a follow-up.

Elementary pupils have assignments to do at home, and parents can learn a few steps to make this easier and more fun for thee children. Homework is a fact of life for pupils throughout their academic life and even in their adult careers.

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Here are some pointers for parents on how to have a good study habits especially for their children's at elementary years:

1. Set a regular homework time. It is best if the pupil gets into routine, with homework at a set time each afternoon. Allow your child some time to relax and unwind after school, have a snack, and play with friends. Then set a regular time for homework to be done. Some children usually do their homework after dinner, but scheduling time can be adjusted to each family's schedule. If there will be no fixed schedule to study, a child will be tempted to watch TV or play games with the computers rather than settle down to work. A regular study schedule will make a child regards study as a natural part of his life.

2. Give your child a cozy and quiet place to study. A desk in the child's bedroom is a better study environment than the dining table. The more disturbances you can avoid, the better your child will focus on his studies. Turn off television and radio. Be sure no gadgets around while he is doing his work. Never allow him to tuck up snug in bed, sprawl on a sofa or stretch halfway down in an armchair. Provide a comfortable chair and a table with good lighting. Make sure your child has all the supplies he needs - extra pencils, paper, dictionary, etc.

3. Sit down with your child. At the beginning of each homework session, sit down with your child and go over the assignments. Gather materials needed, give ideas or suggestions, and then help them to get started. Avoid trying to do the work of your child. If they are having difficulty, demonstrate a similar problem, but do not do their actual homework. Leave your child alone to work on the assignment without supervision. Then, when they are finished, sit down and review briefly what they did and the concepts they learned. Be fervent and give praise for their effort. Offer suggestions, but avoid correcting their mistakes.

4. Demonstrate skills for life-long learning. Let your child see you enjoy reading, visiting the library or researching the history of place to visit. Allow him to go on educational trips, such as visiting the museums and some historical places. Talk to them about the things you are learning. Share your experiences with them where in he can learn something form those experiences. Let them observe that you enjoy when you explore new things to improve your learning.

Imelda N. Enriquez
San Miguel Elementary School
Guagua East District