Parents want their children to get good grades in school. Unfortunately, not every parent knows how best to help their children meet academic challenges, including completion of homework assignments. So, how do parents maximize their child’s chances for success in school? Start by creating a home environment that is conducive to homework and learning.

“Sometimes, parents think helping their child complete their homework, or even doing their child’s homework for him, will help him achieve better grades in school,” says Susan Leung, centre director of the Oakville Sylvan Learning Center. “Often, it’s just the opposite, creating a situation where children have not learned the concepts they are later tested on in the classroom.”

A simple way to help your child with homework is by creating an atmosphere that works with your child to efficiently tackle school tasks. Really get to know your child’s homework style and develop a personalized plan for school success.

Sylvan Learning Center, the leading provider of in-center and live, online tutoring at home to students of all ages and skill levels, offers parents the following tips and advice to develop a homework plan for back-to-school success:

1. Set Goals Help your child set personal and attainable goals for each class and help her identify what will need to be done to reach each goal. For example, to get an A in American History, she will need to turn in all of her homework, participate in class, etc.

2. Know Your Child Because each child is unique, with different learning styles and academic needs, it is important to personalize the learning process. People learn in at least eight different ways, according to the Multiple Intelligences Theory: visually, verbally, physically, mathematically, musically, naturalistically, through group activity or through quiet thinking time. If you help your child work within his personal style, he will work more effectively.

3. Create a Homework Zone Set up an area in your home for studying, complete with a dictionary, paper and pens. Make sure the area is free from potential distractions and that study tools are at your child’s fingertips to keep him focused on homework.

4. Develop Class Files Develop a color-coded file for each of your child’s classes. Make separate tabs for homework assignments, exams and projects, so your child can refer back to class materials when studying for comprehensive tests.

5. Set Weekly Milestones For big projects or exams, get a large calendar for your child’s homework area and help him set short timelines to ensure projects and studying aren’t left until the night before. Celebrate your child’s success when each milestone is met.

By working with your child to develop a personalized plan to efficiently complete homework tasks, you will find higher grades, fewer homework headaches and a more confident child as a result.

For additional educational resources for children in grades pre-K through 12, visit www.tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/learning-for-parents/index.cfm or call 1-800-31-SUCCESS.