Answer: First, plan a conference with the teacher and explain the homework hassles you are having. See if she can offer any suggestions that would ease the frustrations that are occurring for the family. Always be prepared for a parent-teacher conference with a list of your concerns, samples of school work that you may have questions about, a list of all your questions on the school curriculum and routine, and a file of some possible strategies that you have.

A great strategy to offer the teacher is to have your child’s homework broken down into smaller segments and then have them increase as your child gets proficient and more self-confident in his ability to read. You may also ask if she can work with him in small groups with the other children in the class who are exhibiting similar difficulties.

You may also wish to purchase alphabet letter cards or flash cards and practice putting “word families” together. For example, put together the letters to form “it” and then put the ‘s’ card in front of it, then put a “p” card and so on. Practice writing the new words and maybe drawing pictures of them. You can also write silly stories together with the new words your child has learned from the “word families.” Practice reading these stories with your child as part of the nightly ritual before bedtime.

Dr. Ruth Jacoby has been involved in education for more than 30 years as an educator, principal and currently as an educational consultant in Florida. She is the co-author of the School Talk! Success Series.

Advice from our experts is not a substitute for medical or other professional advice and services from a qualified health-care provider familiar with your unique situation. We recommend consulting a qualified professional if you have concerns about your child's medical or emotional condition.

October 2005