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30 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday October 17, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com BETTER GRADES THIS YEAR WITH OXFORD! Homework Help for Great Grades the Whole School Year When it comes to homework time, a little organization and strategic planning help to make homework time structured, so that kids know what to do, where to do it, and how to complete their homework on time. With solid homework habits established, good grades are sure to follow... Not just for the next test, but for the entire school year. Top 10 Tips to Handle Homework: 1. Set Up a Study Area--from the first day of class, even if there is no homework, designate one area of the house the homework zone. This is an area with no distractions that is dedicated to working on projects and assignments. 2. Make Materials Available to the Homework Zone--what tools does your child need to get the homework done? Use a container or box to keep all supplies handy. Anything that your child may need access to during homework should be easily accessible so that he won't have to rummage around for it. 3. Remove the Distractions-- if the homework zone is the dining room table, and a TV is nearby, make sure that the TV is off. Or if the area is next to a window, and the falling leaves are just too distracting, switch places, or consider a change of location. But don't be too stringent; some people work best with a little background noise, like a radio playing quietly in the background. 4. Set a Time Frame-- choose a time that is best suited to your family's needs to work on homework. Whether it is right after school, or after dinner, sticking to a set schedule helps the work to get done. 5. Offer Guidance--but don't do the homework for your child. Be close by, maybe sit at the table too, or in the next room, and read the newspaper, or read a book, so if your child needs to ask a question she won't have to go looking for you. 6. Use An Agenda-- it's the key organizational tool for homework. An agenda reminds students of tasks to be completed, and is also a great place to write down questions to ask the teacher. 7. Stay Informed--regularly talking to your child's teacher is a great routine to establish. Ask about upcoming projects that may require extra help. How does your child fit into the class average? -- it's good to be informed. 8. Be a Role Model! "Do your homework!" is a refrain heard in many households. Set a good example by practicing what you preach. Set a good example by your actions; read a book, do some research, or bring something home from work to complete. 9. Offer Praise--be specific, and be sure to praise their efforts, and hard work, not their intelligence. Kids will appreciate that their efforts are not going unrecognized, and you'll help bolster their confidence. 10.Watch Frustration Levels--if your child is feeling stressed by homework, or just can't master the concepts, then it's time to seek help. Getting homework done is a routine part of school, just like eating lunch--but with a well-established homework routine, it doesn't have to be the worst part Get a smart start to the school day Studies show that students that eat a healthy breakfast perform better in school, yet 31 per cent of elementary school students and 62 per cent of secondary students do not eat a nutritious breakfast daily. Ensure children get the energy they need to stay alert and engaged in class ­ serve up a healthy breakfast - like this kid-tested recipe from Breakfast for Learning and Canadian Living. Apricot Honey Oatmeal Makes 6 servings Ingredients: 2-1/2 cups (625 mL) water 1 cup (250 mL) apricot nectar or orange juice 1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped dried apricots 3 tbsp (50 mL) liquid honey 1/2 tsp (2 mL) cinnamon 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt · 2 cups (500 mL) quick-cooking rolled oats (not instant) · In saucepan, bring water, apricot nectar, apricots, honey, cinnamon and salt to boil; stir in rolled oats. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes or until thickened. · Per serving: Cal 213; Protein 5g; Fat 2g; Saturated Fat 2g; Carbohydrate 46g; Fibre 5 g; Cholesterol 0 mg; Sodium 102 mg; Potassium 391 mg · Breakfast for Learning is the most comprehensive, national non-profit organization dedicated to student nutrition programs and the healthy development of children and youth. More nutritious recipes and nutrition education resources are available online at www.breakfastforlearning.ca. - News Canada Warning: may lead to diabetes If channel surfing is your only form of exercise, see your doctor about diabetes today. A better future for your child starts here! Contact us today for more information. www.oxfordlearning.com Ask about our little reader program. Space Limited. Register Now! Voted Best Learning Centre OAKVILLE NORTH 1131 Nottinghill Gate, Oakville (905) 469-1929 OAKVILLE SOUTH Maple Grove Village 511 Maple Grove Dr. Suite 2, Oakville www.diabetes.ca 1-800-BANTING (226-8464) (905) 849-4027 The world is calling her name. She'll be ready. 2 p.m. ST. MILDRED'S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL e | | mls.on.ca