Provide the requisite school supplies. Your child should have a few supplies organized in a place where the child can always find them, preferably a desk or other area in the house. Make sure you have the following supplies on hand: writing paper, construction paper, pencils, a pencil sharpener, an eraser, a stapler, pens, tape, rubber bands, paper clips, scissors, construction paper, crayons, markers, glueand a dictionary.

Establish a routine. Set aside a specific time every day for your child to do homework — perhaps before or after dinner. Ask your child about his/her homework. When the check-in becomes routine, it’s easier to keep tabs on their general workflow, so you don’t end up facing a last-minute frenzy. Identify trouble areas. When you sit down with your child, ask him/her to show you the types of homework he/she is working on and to identify if he/she is having trouble in a specific subject. Once you identify problems, you can work together to find the resources you need to ensure he/she is doing well in his/her classes.

Create a positive environment. When kids have homework, TV and Wii, it’s essential to have a nice, quiet place for your child to complete his/her homework. Turn off the TV and Wii and designate a specific area of your house for studying: Try to choose a well-lit space, and keep this area free from clutter so there is plenty of room for books and papers.

Set up a study group. Kids are social creatures, and a peer group can become a powerful and positive incentive for studying. Consider starting a biweekly study group for your child and his/her classmates. If studying is fun, then your child is more likely to engage and learn.