• Provide a small, quiet space and regular time each day with supplies (i.e. pencils, markers, erasers, scrap paper etc.) This should be set up ahead of time.

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• If you have a specific homework area, post a list of homework time expectations in it. These expectations can be discussed prior to the beginning of any homework session.

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• Homework is a great time to encourage and enhance organizational skills and space management. Help children to keep their backpacks and folders organized starting at a young age to instill in them this important skill.

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• During homework time some children may not have homework, but having classroom homework packets with a variety of worksheets within them helps to keep things even and to keep the students quiet and focused during that period of time. It also allows them to work on their academic skills.

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• Look at seating during homework time; if children who are likely to talk with one another are deliberately separated it can be helpful to avoid distractions. If you need to ask children to move, do it in a discreet way in order to avoid disruption and embarrassment on behalf of the child.

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• Assigned seats may be helpful depending on the homework group and the setting.

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• If children are working independently make sure a teacher checks in once in a while and provides assistance as well as praise.

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• When children finish homework early, have choices of quiet activities for them to do (pre-made homework packets, puzzles, crosswords etc). If you think they can bring the selected activities back to where they were without distracting their peers; set up an area for those who have finished the activity as well. Make sure it is known that BOTH areas are to remain quiet.

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• Using other (reliable) students who have completed their own homework to help others may be a useful idea. Make sure you look at the dynamics of children before pairing them together. This idea works well in classrooms with a wide range of ages and academic abilities.

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• It is very beneficial to be in touch with children’s teachers about their homework. Children may often be disorganized, uninterested in, or extremely confused by their homework. By discussing with the teacher how often the child should have homework, where the assignments can be found, what level the child is at (where they struggle and where they excel) and any other questions, everyone can be on the same page.

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• In the older programs, homework may be a good time to allow the use of iPods, as many kids can focus better with them on. You can have speakers and have students create playlists for homework time, or you can allow them to use them individually, to your discretion. If this were to be put in place, make sure a discussion is held with the youth and staff first and expectations and consequences are laid out.