Take Sylvan Learning's fun quiz to discover your child's "homework personality" and learn strategies to help your child succeed with his or her studies.
1. When asked about his day at school, my child
a. begins to tell me about his geography homework and then wanders away.
b. replies, "It was fine."
c. focuses on the word he misspelled on his vocabulary quiz.
d. explains his entire day in 30 seconds.
2. Homework is done:
a. after she asks what's for dinner, plays with her siblings and checks her email.
b. only after several reminders.
c. as soon as she arrives home from school.
d. within five minutes, so she is allowed to call her friends.
3. Class notes:
a. hold occasional flashes of insight.
b. showcase his artistic talents.
c. are dated, color-coded and show extensive forethought.
d. are completed, but there is minimal content.
4. With long-term assignments, my child generally:
a. gets a good start, but finds it difficult to follow through with the action items.
b. takes awhile to get going, but completes the project the night before it is due.
c. tracks her progress by creating a study schedule that lists individual goals.
d. tries to complete the project without researching the topic because this leaves more time for
extracurricular activities.
5. The night before a test, my child:
a. studies for as long as he can sit still.
b. pulls an all-nighter.
c. breaks down because he is nervous about answering a question incorrectly.
d. studies while watching TV because he will study on the bus tomorrow.
Answer Key - Homework Personalities
Mostly a's - TRAVELER
Travelers are inquisitive students who want to experience different situations. They sometimes find it difficult to sit still and like to begin new tasks before they complete their initial assignments.
Study tip: Change from visual, to auditory, to haptic (hands-on) activities every 15 minutes to keep the child engaged throughout the study session. For example, to study for a vocabulary quiz, use flash cards, then ask him to write down the correct spelling of the word as you say it, and, lastly, tell your child to act out the definition of the word.
Mostly b's - DELAYER
Delayers typically are aware of upcoming tests and daily homework assignments, but need additional motivation from parents and educators. These students may procrastinate because a particular assignment seems overwhelming.
Study tip: Set weekly milestones. For big projects or exams, get a large calendar for your child's desk area and help her set short timelines. Check off each task as it is completed. Celebrate with your child when milestones are met.
Mostly c's - PERFECTIONIST
Generally, perfectionists are over-achievers who never feel their best efforts are good enough. These students tend to be academically self-motivated and participate in enrichment courses.
Study tip: Find activities that relax your child in everyday, stressful situations and apply these techniques to homework assignments and tests. Reassure the student that he has studied or completed the project to the best of his ability. Congratulate your child on his efforts, but not specifically on the grades obtained.
Mostly d's - SPRINTER
Sprinters are bundles of energy. Although academically adept students, these children generally rush through homework time to be able to participate in a "fun" activity.
Study tip: Create a homework zone. Set up an area in your home for studying. Make sure the area is free from potential distractions and that study tools are at your child's fingertips to keep her focused on homework. Do not give an incentive for finishing homework early; iInstead, decide on a set amount of time your child is required to study. If she finishes her homework early, she can read.
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