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Homework is the opportunity for children to practice the skills that they are learning at school at home. It allows parents to assess how their child is doing in school and to give extra help when needed. Homework also provides students additional time to research and grasp important concepts fully.

Getting Homework Help

If you are having trouble solving a problem or finding the answer to a question, there are several resources you can turn to. You may want to begin by asking an adult for help with your homework. Another resource is to look online for answers. Several online sites offer free tutoring help whenever you ask.

• Homework Help: Resources to help you get started on your homework
• : Free online homework help

Search First! The Answer May be Right in Front of your Nose

Students often overlook prominent places to find the answers and solutions to the problem. Before you turn to online sources, check your textbook for answers. Carefully reading the assigned chapters can often help you find the information. Another great source is doing a quick search on the Internet.

• : Online site to help get you started researching

This video offers an opinion about homework, i.e., the pros and cons.

Found Answer Online, How Do I Know If It's Right?

When researching, it is important to consider your online sources carefully. Sites that

While every parent hopes for academic success for their children, most are unsure how to go about nurturing and guiding their children to that success. Students that are successful in the classroom often exhibit similar characteristics, no matter what their age, gender, or cultural background. By identifying the characteristics common to successful students, parents can go to work helping their kids develop those traits that will reap the greatest benefit for them in school.

Eagerness to Learn

Children who perform best in school have a natural eagerness to learn new things. According to , much of that eagerness stems from parents and others in the child’s life that have offered a world of interesting things to discover. When children are exposed to many different environments at a young age, they quickly learn that the world is a big, interesting place just waiting for them to explore. However, parents that work this concept too hard may burn a child out on the learning process before school even begins. It is also important for kids to have plenty of free time both with other children and alone to create and play.

This TedTalk discusses the importance of every child needing a champion.

Love of Reading

The states that the most important thing parents can do to ensure their children’s success in school is to nurture a love of

Your kids will get better grades if you are involved at school! A 2008 study from the indicates that students perform much better academically if their parents are involved in the school. However, that news can create more stress for already busy parents who are trying to juggle full-time jobs and child-rearing simultaneously. The good news is that there are many ways to get involved in your child’s school without taking time off from work or further taxing an already packed schedule. Check out these ten ways busy parents can make a positive impact at their children’s schools.

Consider a Parent Club

Consider membership in the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) or similar group at your child’s school. Parent groups typically meet one evening a week or month to accommodate a busy work schedule. They are often involved in many of the all-school activities and stay abreast of the latest happenings within the school, according to . PTA members get to know many of the school staff and play a role in the school's overall success.

Sponsor a Student Club

Student clubs may also meet in the late afternoons or evenings, and they are generally looking for adult sponsors. High schools need parental help for sports teams, music and theatre productions, and other after-school clubs. Even elementary and middle schools might offer extracurricular activities at a convenient time for your schedule and in a subject where you can offer

The start of a new school year is always filled with many beginnings, including the beginning of the relationship with your child’s teacher. A positive relationship can reap many benefits for you and your child, creating a constructive learning environment where your young student can thrive. Developing a good relationship begins even before the first day of school, as you prepare your child - and yourself – for what lies ahead. Here are 10 constructive ways to build a positive relationship with your child’s teacher this year.

This TED Talk focuses on the parent-teacher relationship.

Make Initial Contact

It is important to make contact with your child’s teacher either before the school year begins or shortly after it has started. Some of the issues to cover with a teacher during this initial contact include:

• Health issues
• Family issues
• Learning style
• Behavior issues

By alerting your child’s teacher to these important factors at the beginning of the year, it allows that teacher to support your child in the best way possible throughout the year.

This video gives helpful tips on how to establish a productive relationship with your child's teacher that will benefit you, the children, and the teachers.

Offer Support

Let your child’s teacher know up front that you are on her side when it comes to how she

The start of a school year can be an exciting time for kids as new teachers and friends broaden their world in many positive ways. However, the presence of a bully in that world can transform what should be a constructive learning environment into a scary place for kids. With many disturbing reports of suicides recently as a result of bullying, it is important for parents to acknowledge the potential for bullying and take steps toward prevention or dealing with a situation that already exists. Fortunately, there are many positive actions parents can take to protect their children from bullying.

Types of Bullying

The lists a number of different types of bullying children might experience today, including the following:

• Physical Bullying – hitting, kicking or other types of aggressive physical behavior
• Verbal Bullying – incessant teasing, name calling, spreading rumors or racial slurs
• Cyber Bullying – tormenting another child through cell phones or the Internet

Children may be bullied through just one of these channels, or a combination. The dangers of cyber bullying are particularly pronounced, since this type of bullying can invade the privacy and safety of the home environment. While bullying that is done at school can be left there at the end of the school day, cyber bullying can become incessant. Psychologists believe that is one of the reasons why cyber bullying has resulted in