Homework one of life's little challenges
Someone once said, "If it was fun, it wouldn't be called work." I don't know that that really applies to homework - at least not to all people, all of the time. Homework though is a fact of life and all of us at one time or another has had to do it. But now we find out that it actually can be good for you!

School Power authors Jeanne Shay Schumm and Marguerite Radencich say:

"Homework encourages you to practice skills you haven't fully learned. It gives you opportunities to review skills you might forget. It enriches your store of general knowledge. It teaches you responsibility. It allows for tasks that are too time-consuming to finish during regular school hours."

Most students would probably rather not have to do homework so we asked students to share their experiences in an effort to make it just a little easier for those struggling at home.

Christine, age 14: "When I struggle with my homework, it helps to just take a five-minute break, sit outside and take a breather. Then, I like to go back to a nice quiet place and finish my work. One thing that I suggest is not try try to cram in last minute work. That leads to sloppiness and poor effort. So do your work ahead of time."

Marisa, age 13: "One thing that will help you with homework is time management. Instead of going home and watching television, try doing some homework for an hour, take a break, and start again. Also, try not to get distracted. Always put your homework first because you don't want to be up until 11 p.m."

Melissa, age 16: "In the past, when I have struggled with my homework, I have tried to break it up. If I attack my assignment in pieces, it helps me to accomplish more. As I accomplish one goal, I set another goal, in order to fully complete the entire assignment. I then award myself with something, like watching television or visiting friends."

Erin, age 14: "One strategy that really helped me organize was having a checklist of the homework I needed to do. Any homework that I had, that was not due the next day, I would try to get a head start on. I suggest that other young people try to get ahead on their homework and not leave it until the last minute."

Rachel, age 15: "I know that I always had support when I did my homework. When I am struggling with it, I take a deep breath and really think about what the assignment is asking."

Sarah, age 15: "Schedule your time. Write a list of what you need to get done so you make sure that you complete it. Use you study halls or free periods in school so you don't get so overwhelmed with work at home. Talk to you teachers if you have a conflict. They usually understand and try to help you."

Megan, age 16: "Plan out what takes up the most time and do that first."

Chelsea, age 16: "Don't procrastinate."

Rebekah, age 15: "Staying organized and having a schedule for each day, are the strategies I use to make sure that all of my homework gets done on time."

Mark, age 16: "When I struggle with a homework assignment, I have to step back for a little while and clear my head. I usually go outside or talk to friends so I don't get stressed out."

Jacqueline, age 14: "I set boundaries for myself. My suggestions for young people are to study only 10 minutes of what you learned in each subject, each day. Make flashcards and allow for free time in your schedule."

Avery, age 17: "I make sure that it is quiet and that I am by myself, so that I can concentrate on the task at hand. I would advise other students to do the same."

Sarah, age 15: "Take a deep breath and relax. Break it down in steps. Do one step at a time and before you know it, the assignment is done."

Lauren, age 17: "The best strategy for completing difficult assignments is not to procrastinate. Also, if the work is too challenging, ask for help from a classmate, or a teacher."

Leann, age 16: "If I had a big project coming up, I would do a little work each day so when it came close to the due date, I wouldn't be stressed out. I would already have most of it complete!"

Matthew, age 15: "Write down your homework assignments when the teacher gives it to you. Also, write down the text books, resources and binders you need to complete that homework, so that you remember to bring them home."

Katie, age 14: "My school planner allows me to organize my homework so I remember to do it. My family also reminds me to do my homework and will even help me with it."

Meg, age 16: "It's very helpful to write down all your assignments when you are in each class. Also, manage your time wisely by not having distractions around you. Parents are also important. Have them make sure that all assignments are completed."

Carol, age 17: "At my school, it helps to go to the tutoring center, where a teacher from any subject can help. It also helps when my friends have similar assignments so we can help each other out."

Esha, age 16: "My best suggestion for young people is to always attempt your homework, don't be afraid to ask for help, and never leave it for the last minute."

Bridget, age 14: "Don't do your homework in front of the television. Study for tests every day, don't cram!"

Youth, age 15: "One suggestion I always give is to use your time wisely and plan accordingly. Make sure you try your best, regardless of the subject." Even the adults chimed in on this one.

Mary-Diana: Her niece is overwhelmed with homework. The parents set aside Sunday as an activity free day. The day is reserved for church, homework and family activities.

Kathy M-M: "Make sure homework/books come home. Lessens the stress."

Melissa (Intern): "Parental oversight was very helpful."

Robin: "A special room set aside for homework and getting to work right away on projects proved to be very successful."

Sherri: "Parental help was given to the children on how to manage time and how to approach a task."

Laura: "As a head coach of a swim team, I needed the youth not to be distracted. No cell phone, ipods, etc. This carried over to no distractions while the students were doing their homework."

Your comments and suggestions are welcome. If you have an idea for a topic, please let us hear from you. Send a note to the Amherst Task Force, 4255 Harlem Road, Amherst, NY 14226 or e-mail Sally@eccpasa. info.