by: Lindsay Hutton
![DoingHomework,HelpingwithHomework, DoingHomework,HelpingwithHomework,](/sites/default/files/fe_slideshow/2010_08/Team_Effort_Homework_H.jpg)
Team Effort
![DoingHomework,FrustratedChild DoingHomework,FrustratedChild](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Frustrated_Child_Homework_H.jpg)
Five Minute Fun Break
![MotivatingLDChildren,GoldStar,NiceJob,Homework](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Gold_Star_H.jpg)
Homework Completion Chart
Some of our readers reward their child with a small prize when he completes the chart, while others simply allow bragging rights. Whichever way you choose, be sure to recognize his accomplishment.
![DoingHomework,ReadingTogether DoingHomework,ReadingTogether](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Reading_Together_H.jpg)
Share the Reading
Make the information or story as interesting as possible, pausing to reinforce the concepts presented. This will help keep your child engaged and interested in the assignment.
![DoingHomework,Concentration DoingHomework,Concentration](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Music_Doing_Homework_H.jpg)
Soft Music
![ParentsHelpingwithHomework ParentsHelpingwithHomework](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Test_Me_Homework_Help_H.jpg)
Test Me
This strategy also helps to take the focus off your child, and puts it on you, the parent, instead. Your child may feel a sense of authority in correcting you, and you'll be happy knowing he is learning the material.
![DoingHomework,TakingaTest DoingHomework,TakingaTest](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Taking_Test_Scented_Strategy_H.jpg)
Scented Strategy
When test day comes, have her wear the same scent she wore when studying — it could help her remember the material.
![DoingHomework,SchoolSupples DoingHomework,SchoolSupples](/sites/default/files/collection-item/School_Supplies_H.jpg)
Homework Box
When homework time comes, your child won't be able to use missing supplies as an excuse to get off track. To make it extra special, put a little treat in his homework box, just to let him know you're thinking of him.
![YoungChildWriting;DoingHomework YoungChildWriting;DoingHomework](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Book_Report_H.jpg)
Book Report Helper
Get several sheets of lined paper and staple them together to make a booklet.
Each time your child finishes reading a chapter, ask him to write one or two sentences to describe what happened in that chapter. Have him read what he wrote about previous chapters before beginning a new one. This will help him to remember what is happening in the story.
When your child finishes the last chapter, have him write a few sentences to describe how the book ended. He'll end up with a full summary of the book to help him write his book report.
![DoingHomework,SmilingChild DoingHomework,SmilingChild](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Homework_Plan_H.jpg)
Homework Behavior Plan
Once you have brainstormed ideas to make homework time more productive, write up a contract with your child that implements the agreed-upon strategies. Every time a strategy is used successfully, award points towards a reward.