The dreaded zero grade is a familiar penalty for late or incomplete homework assignments. Even the very highest test scores can't offset the damage of low homework grades, especially zeroes, if they occur on a regular basis.

To be sure students complete assignments on time, the first critical step is to bring home all the teachers' assignment requirements and instructions.

Successfully laying out complete assignment instructions before beginning homework is the first of several steps in getting organized for academic success.

Here are three tips to help your child develop the organizational habits of accurately writing down, bringing home, and effectively using directions the teacher gave for homework assignments:

Tip 1 - Designate a special place (a notebook or page) where all assignments will be written.

Many middle and high schools require students use a dedicated assignment book. If your child's school has no special assignment book, he can set aside a section at the front of a multi-subject binder to record all assignments.

One specific single assignment place creates stability and certainty. Scribbled assignments taken down on whatever book page or note sheet is handy may work for a few students, but for those who can't readily produce assignment information that way, the stability of a single location is essential. This is similar to the habit many drivers develop of putting car keys in the same spot, so they don't spend time searching for them.

A single designated assignment sheet permits student and parents to more easily and quickly schedule needed homework time. When all the assignments are written on the same page (or two side by side pages) the student and parent can more easily see at a glance how much work is there to be done that evening. The alternative, assignment notes that can't be found, or can't be read frustrates both parents and students, wastes time, and delays getting started on actually completing assignments. This can reduce the student's ability to work efficiently and effectively on homework or projects.

The assignment book (or notebook containing assignment sheets) must be consistently placed in the student's multi-subject binder or a specific pocket in the book bag. Some students are able to keep track of the assignment book by placing it on top of a stack of books as they head for class. Students who have trouble keeping up with their assignment book MUST find a specific place it can be kept when going from class to class, and when going to or from school.

Tip 2 - The assignment book or multi-subject binder with assignment sheets should always go home with the student.

The "assignment book always goes home" rule is important, because parents may find that "no homework" means there was no specific written assignment, but neglects the fact that a big test is scheduled in two or three days and the teacher said homework for that evening was "Study for the test."

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