Keeping up with homework...

sierrascrapper · #1 (**permalink**) 08-15-2002, 09:18 AM

I have twin boys who started 1st grade 3 weeks ago(they are in year-round school). They were in the same class in kindergarten last year but are in separate classes this year. I am feeling a little overwhelmed as it seems tough to keep up with when homework etc is due. Does anyone have any suggestions on how you keep track of everything when you have more than one in school?? They both bring a packet home on Friday but one has it due on one day and the other has his due on a diff day. I am trying to figure all of this out but it's kinda tough! Please give me your thoughts on how you all deal with these issues and having more than one child in school at one time. I feel like I'm going crazy but I'm sure it's just because I'm not used to this whole school thing. Kindergarten was a breeze compared to now!

Thanks in advance!

SuzyQ · #2 (**permalink**) 08-15-2002, 07:05 PM

Might as well start training them to do their work as soon as they get it. That what we try to do here. We get multiple weeks of spelling words, so we always can do them. And they always can read their minutes (they must read so many a month for the end of year party -similar to Book-It)

Also, no TV unless the homework is done. I usually let them eat a snack after school, and then sit at the dining room table while I work at supper. I'm available for questions, and can check their work.

If they keep on task it doesn't take long. Good Luck!

MrsRoseofShara · #3 (**permalink**) 08-17-2002, 01:36 AM

I have a big write on/erase calendar on my kitchen wall. I keep track of all the family's due dates, appointments, etc on that. It helps because I don't have to dig out my day runner to check things, it's just there in front of everyone all the time. If they have a big project, make sure they work on it a little each day after their regular homework is done. I write due dates for projects right on the calendar. You might want to get yourself a pocket folder for each kid that you can keep in the kitchen with stuff you need to do for each child. I, myself, just sign their slips or whatever it is and put it write in their backpacks as soon as they bring it home from school. If I wait till the "due date" I usually lose it. :-)

MrsRose

Stargazer · #4 (**permalink**) 08-17-2002, 03:26 AM

I'm with you! It can be so overwhelming sometimes! Last school year, one of mine was in 5th and one in 1rst. They had their packets on Thursday which made it easier, but Thursday was the big day where I had to sit down and go through everything........they also brought home artwork, graded paperwork, etc. during that time...

My kids come home after school and get something to eat. Then we concentrate on the work. They sit and do it themselves but also have a lot of questions and sometimes need lots of supervision. Yes it's tough. One night my daughter and I were up till 10 pm helping her study for a test. I didn't get to do any of my things I needed to do, and had to put it all off till the next morning. But well, it has to be done. Projects too - as they get older, get a calendar and write the due date and make sure they start working on it regularly, daily a week or more before the due date. A couple of times, my daughter said "I have a handle on it...I'm working on it" and then not much was done, and the night before the project was due I had to drop everything and do the entire thing with her because nothing was done. Needless to say it was a frustrating and stressful evening. So I learned my lesson to pay more attention and stay on top of their stuff. And she hopefully learned not to put stuff off till the last second!

So hang in there, Mom!

mommawellman · #5 (**permalink**) 08-17-2002, 05:20 AM

At our school, they really stress the fact that it is the child's responsibility to remember homework, and due dates, not the parents....They get reminders at school almost everyday..and if they don't learn responsibility they will never make it through the upper grades where they need it the most...Now, they do actually teach them to use a school planner in the 3rd grade and even supply it and it is graded each week as well to help them along with this process. I do have the big calendar on the wall and I have my children write in the things that are due from their agendas...(all in different colored markers) and then when it is finished they can mark it out with a different colored marker just so I can encourage them to stay on track....

mommawellman · #6 (**permalink**) 08-17-2002, 05:24 AM

I missed the important part..they are in First grade, so obviously they will need reminders...but as they learn to read and write..it would still be beneficial to them to write it on the calendar all by themselves...just as writing their spelling words help them to remember them better....

MrsRoseofShara · #7 (**permalink**) 08-17-2002, 08:31 AM

I hadn't thought of having them write in their own dates and appointments. Mine are going into 3rd and 4th grade this year so I think I'll try it with supervision. I've been toying with the idea of the different colored markers for different members of the family. I think I'll start both things together and see how it goes. Thanks for the suggestion.

mommawellman · #8 (**permalink**) 08-17-2002, 09:51 AM

You are most welcome..hope it helps....I have 4 children and if I had to keep up with everything they had going on without a little help from them..I would be absolutely crazy..well, crazier than I already am with 4 children...LOL

bbkimberly · #9 (**permalink**) 08-17-2002, 01:55 PM

I have 3 kids - One in the 3rd, one in kindergarten, and a 3 y.o. I am losing my sanity a little more each day. Juggling paperwork, homework, conferences, and going back and fourth to drop off and pick up the little weasels is hectic. Both get a packet of homework for the week. I tell the older one to just go through it and do what he can without me. Later in the week I work with him on the stuff he needs help with.

samanthaj · #10 (**permalink**) 08-19-2002, 05:52 AM

Hi. My son just started 1st grade this year. It was very hard for me last year. Not really for the organizational part of things but more of the seperation. My son was fine with things & loved school. I have a daughter who will be 3 yrs. old next month so she missed her brother terribly. Last year the teacher had the children to keep a "take home" folder in their backpack. This contained paperwork done for the day,homework, test papers, or newsletters from the school or teacher. I thought this was a great way to keep everything. It worked out well. His daily paperwork he did was neatly kept (as I saved everything & have it all in a "keepsake kindergarden box" ). This year his teacher did
not require a folder like that. so, when he bringgs home his daily work it is just put in his backpack. I have thought about putting him a folder (of his choice of course) in his backpack to carry thesee home but I am afraid I may offend his teacher. He does bring home a Friday folder which she says include papers that are counted for his grade, spelling words for the week & vocabulary sheet for his test on Thursday. So far this year everything has been going okay though. I keep his spelling words out & we go over them in the afternoon & on the way to school. Homework is done when he gets home after he snacks. We do alot at home as far as writing, reading, & math. I am lucky to be able to be home with my kids- but still work full time at home- as alot of you probably know that is FULL time. Before bed we get out clothes for the next day & I get his backpack all set for school. Seems easier this way than the hassle of a morning. Hope I didn't
run-on too much. This is new for me so I enjoy sharing. Thanks for giving me the chance. Good luck.
-TN mom
samanthaj