Naugatuck Discovery - Spring 2008 Newsletter

TAKING THE HEADACHES OUT OF HOMEWORK

Rosalina Mendoza, co-coordinator for the Connecticut Parent Information Resource Center (CT PIRC) in Middletown, offered parents information to help children conquer homework challenges.

Homework is an important extension and reinforcement for learning that takes place in school, she said. She advised parents to enforce consistent homework rules and routines and to provide a well-lit place and materials children need to do assignments.

She also offered specific ways parents can help children who have trouble with reading, writing and math. Mendoza offered parents a guide they can use to help children through assignments or topics not familiar to the adults, such as new strategies used in math.

"Things have really changed since I was in school," said Helen Gerrity, a grandmother who attended the workshop.

Gerrity cares for her grandchildren after school, which is homework time. The strategies she learned Feb. 7 are helpful, she said.