ROLLING CART
Take everything a
student needs
wherever she wants
to work. From $30;
containerstore.com
142 | September 2019
BETTER BACK TO SCHOOL
THE ISSUE
“I JUST HAVE
TO ANSWER THIS
ONE TEXT.”
THE SOLUTION
The best way to conquer
distractions: Avoid them
altogether. Establish a
designated homework spot
or two. Kids often prefer
a few places to do their
homework, like their desk,
their bed, or the dining
room table. Make a rule
that the phone and iPad
live somewhere else during
that time. (Check out the
handy charging stand we
found, far right.) If your
child uses the computer for
homework, try an app
like Freedom or Habyts
(habyts.com) to block
distracting websites during
study time.
THE ISSUE
“I FORGOT THE
ASSIGNMENT/
TO BRING HOME
WHAT I NEED.”
THE SOLUTION
Even the most organized
child can turn into a
hot mess during middle
school, when she has
multiple teachers and
classrooms. Designate one
folder for the assignments
and another for finished
homework so she doesn’t
need to dig through six
folders every night.
Prep for a textbook
being left at school by
having your student ask
the teacher ahead of
time if there’s a log-in
to see textbooks and/or
materials online. You may
also be able to access
understand the material the
assignment is based on? Or
is he too tired after being in
school all day?
To get him started, tackle
the homework with your
child, not for him. “Tell him
‘It’s your job. I’m just here
to help you figure out what
you need to do,’” Vatterott
says. Talk your child through
the assignment step-by-
step: What do the directions
tell him to complete? What
information or materials
does he need to do the
assignment? What does he
think the first step is?
If your child truly doesn’t
understand, have him write
a note asking the teacher to
explain the concept again.
books needed to complete
assignments through your
local library. Connect using
your library card via the
free Libby app.
If all else fails, have her
do something else related,
such as reading a book
or newspaper article on a
related topic. If forgetting
is a consistent problem,
ask if your child can have
an extra book to keep at
home, Vatterott says.
THE ISSUE
“IT’S TOO HARD!”
THE SOLUTION
Start by sussing out
what exactly is too hard
about the assignment: Is
it so much work that it’s
overwhelming? Does he not
BEDSHELFIE
Attaches to the side
of the bed so
supplies are within
arm’s reach.
$40; bedshelfie.com
LAP DESK
A stable, hard
surface; cushioned
underside; and
handle for toting.
Honey-Can-Do Lap
Desk, $45; kohls.com
TREXONIC
CHARGING
STAND
A streamlined spot to
store electronics.
$15; jcpenney.com ■
HOMEWORK
GOES
MOBILE
