Au Pairs will often help their host children with homework. Here are some important hints to help make it a great experience for all!

#1In order to do your job successfully, you must know the host parent’s rules and expectations. Ask the following questions:
When is homework to be completed?
Where is homework to be done?
What supplies are available for the student?
Where shall I be when the student is doing homework?
What about music? Is that allowed while doing homework?
How much time is expected?
What about breaks?
Who will review the homework?
What if a child does not cooperate?

#2 Sharing the rules…ask for a meeting with host parents, you and children to review rules and expectations with everyone listening.

#3 Reviewing the situation…Remember to keep your host parents informed about homework issues.What is going well and what needs to be improved

GETTING STARTED EACH DAY:

#1.Take care of the basic needs: does your child need a snack or a rest? does he/she needs to touch base with mom or dad?
#2.Help your child prioritize the day’s assignments
#3.develop a schedule for the day
#4.Have the child identify what he/she can do alone, what he/she needs help with.

GUIDING THE PROCESS…Doing the homework is your child’s job. Helping if your child is having problems is your job.
Give specific praise-“that’s a great first draft”
Give constructive criticism-“your teacher will understand your ideas better if you use your best handwriting”
Be available to answer questions, read over directions together,help your child divide a challenging task into smaller pieces,be the audience as your child practices spelling or reading.