Academics & Homework Help

Because Chaos Isn’t a Study Strategy!

A dedicated homework space helps kids focus, stay organized, and—fingers crossed—get their work done without 27 snack breaks.

Homework Station Must-Haves:

• A quiet, well-lit area (because distractions = lost pencils and sudden hunger)
• A comfy chair + sturdy desk or table (wobbly = wiggly = no work gets done)
• Supplies on hand (pencils, paper, calculator—so they don’t “need” to go on a scavenger hunt)
• A timer (hello, time management! Also, a race against the clock makes math slightly more exciting)
• Bins & organizers (so the table doesn’t become an arts-and-crafts disaster zone)

Pro Tip: Set a consistent homework time each day—because "I’ll do it later" usually means "I forgot."

Because the Right Book = More Page-Turning and Less Eye-Rolling 

Finding books that match your child’s age and interests makes reading more fun (and maybe means fewer battles over screen time).

How to Select Books 

• Expose children to a wide range of books and other texts (print, audio, video, and digital), including information books, poetry, and storybooks that children are supported in physically accessing.
• Provide opportunities for children to engage in the reading of materials of their choice every day, with support from adults. 
• Books and other materials should be connected to children’s interests, including texts that reflect children’s backgrounds and cultural experiences, texts that reflect the backgrounds and cultural experiences of others, and texts that incorporate both.
• We encourage families to visit their local library to help select books that are interesting to the child.

Recommended Book Lists

1. MiSelf in Books List - An annual list of inclusive books for Michigan learners, carefully selected and reviewed by Michigan librarians.
2. American Library Association's Newbery Medal Winners - A list of Newbery Medal winners and honor books, recognized annually by the Association for Library Service to Children.
3. CADL Staff Picks for Children - A thoughtfully curated selection of children’s books recommended by the staff at Capital Area District Libraries.

Early Elementary School (K-2)

• Build Oral Language: Ask open-ended questions and have back-and-forth conversations during play, meals and routines. Expand your child’s ideas using more advanced language as a model.
• Talk While You Read: Before, during, and after reading, ask questions and talk about the story. Chat about the characters, where the story takes place, and the problem and solution.
• Encourage Writing: Invite your child to draw or write about daily life—like making lists, writing notes, or creating stories.
• Connect Sounds to Letters: Sing songs, play rhyming games, clap out syllables, and point out letters and words you see around you. When your child gets stuck on a word, help them break it into parts or sound it out.
• Choose Interaction Over Screens: Prioritize talking, reading, singing, and exploring together—take walks or visit the library. These shared moments build stronger language skills and support your child’s social and emotional health. 

Upper Elementary School (3-5)

• Build Language Comprehension: Encourage deeper conversations by asking open-ended questions and discussing current events, books, or your child’s interests.
• Support your child in reading for understanding: Help your child read new words, check if things make sense, and read aloud to build confidence. Ask them to summarize, predict what might happen next, or share their opinions about the characters, themes, and key events.
• Support Writing: Encourage your child to write for real purposes in relation to their interests—for example: journaling, peer communication, stories, song lyrics, or plays. . 
• Build Vocabulary: Notice or explain interesting words in books, signs, or conversations. Talk about word meanings, how they’re used and encourage your child to use the word in conversations. 
• Prioritize Meaningful Interaction: Make time for reading, talking, and shared activities like cooking, walking, or visiting the library, instead of screen time. These shared moments build stronger language skills and support your child’s social and emotional health. 

Middle School (Grades 6–8)

• Make Reading Fun: Find books, magazines, and online articles about things your child likes. Talk about why reading and writing are important in everyday life.
• Talk About Books: Discuss what your child is reading. Ask questions about the main ideas, how it relates to their life, and new words. Encourage them to explain what they learn.
• Support Writing: Encourage different types of writing like journaling, emails, and school projects. Provide digital tools for writing.
• Build Vocabulary: Discuss new words found in reading. Look for clues to understand words and talk about word parts.
• Create a Reading-Friendly Home: Show that you read too and keep reading materials available. Visit libraries and bookstores together.

High School (Grades 9–12)

• Encourage Diverse Reading: Provide access to various texts like news articles, magazines, and books. Discuss online content and its credibility.
• Engage in Deep Discussions: Talk about challenging school topics. Ask for their opinions and encourage them to support their ideas with evidence.
• Support Research Skills: Encourage research on interesting topics and discuss evaluating sources. Help them develop strong arguments for writing and discussions.
• Connect Reading to Future Goals: Discuss how reading and writing are important for college, careers, and being informed. Explore connections between school and their future plans.
• Understand Language Use: Talk about how language changes in different situations and subjects. Discuss how language can be powerful and effective.

New math got you feeling like you need a calculator and a decoder ring? Don’t worry—you got this! Understanding these Common Core strategies will help you guide your child (without wanting to flip the table).

Key Strategies (Explained Simply!)

• Number Bonds – Breaking numbers into smaller parts makes adding & subtracting easier. (Think of it like slicing a pizza—more manageable pieces, same delicious total!)
• Arrays & Area Models – Visual ways to show multiplication & division. (Because sometimes, seeing it makes way more sense than just memorizing it!)
• Place Value Strategies – Understanding how digits change value in multi-digit problems. (It’s like money: $10 is very different from $1,000!)
• Step-by-Step Problem Solving – Teaching kids to break problems into steps instead of guessing. (Less panic, more confidence!)

PreK (Ages 3–4)

Playful Math is Powerful Math

• Count objects during play (blocks, stuffed animals, crackers.)
• Use words like more, less, same, big and small in daily routines.
• Sing counting songs and nursery rhymes.
• Sort toys by color, shape or size.
• Let them help set the table to build one-to-one counting skills.

Early Elementary (Grades K–2)

Make Math Part of Everyday Life

• Count out snacks, toys or steps together.
• Play board games that involve counting, dice or simple math.
• Practice number recognition on signs, clocks or calendars.
• Ask “how many?” questions at the store or around the house.
• Encourage explaining how they solved a problem. It builds confidence!

Upper Elementary (Grades 3–5)

Build Problem Solvers

• Practice math facts through quick games or flashcards.
• Ask your child to estimate. How many forks in the drawer? How long to drive somewhere?
• Let them help with recipes (measure, double or halve ingredients.)
• Encourage explaining math thinking aloud. It helps them learn better.
• Talk about how adults use math at work or in everyday life.

Middle School (Grades 6–8)

Make Math Relevant

• Use real-world examples like budgets, sports stats and measurements.
• Ask them to teach you what they’re learning (teaching reinforces understanding).
• Break down homework into steps, and don’t be afraid to look things up together.
• Encourage perseverance. It's okay not to “get it” right away.
• Explore math-based careers and technology together.

High School (Grades 9–12)

Support Thinking, Not Just Answers

• Encourage a growth mindset. Math ability grows with effort.
• Ask open-ended questions: “How did you get that answer?”
• Connect math to real life: taxes, loans, jobs or college entrance exams.
• Remind them it's okay to ask teachers for help. Self-advocacy is a skill!

For more ways to support your child in math, visit NWEA Parent Strategies for Improving their Child's Math.

Use screen time cautiously and prioritize family interaction through free options in the Ingham ISD service area. For example: 

• Visit your local library 
  • Capital Area District Libraries Locations
  • East Lansing Public Library
  • Delta Township Library
• Visit a local park and enjoy a “Story Walk” https://www.cadl.org/kids-parents/raising-readers/storywalks 
• Check- Out the MSU Children’s Garden
• Visit Harris Nature Center

Online Educational Resources & Apps for Students

(Learning tools worth logging in for)

Not all screen time is created equal. These trusted websites and apps make it easy for families to turn screen time into learning time—with games, videos, stories, and skill-building activities for all ages and interests. Many are free or low-cost, and all are teacher-approved.

Top Picks for All Subjects and Ages:

Pro Tip: Choose 1–2 of these platforms that match your child’s interests and grade level. Rotate them into your weekly routine to support learning at home in a way that’s fun and familiar!

(Because kids still have energy after school—and snacks only go so far)

After-school hours don’t have to be a battle between screen time and snack time. Getting involved in extracurriculars gives kids a chance to explore their interests, build confidence, and make friends—plus it buys you a little more time before dinner. Win-win.

Awesome Options to Check Out:

• School-based clubs
  From art and music to drama, robotics, and student council, these clubs help kids find their thing—without needing a ride across town.
• Youth sports leagues
  Soccer, basketball, swimming, or whatever gets their energy out before bedtime. Sports build teamwork, discipline, and a great excuse to wear sweatpants.
• Community center programs
  Think crafts, homework help, games, and the occasional glitter explosion. Many offer structured fun while you handle your to-do list.
• Library events & reading programs
  Libraries = quiet magic. Bonus: they’re free, and storytime doesn’t usually involve sticky glue or expensive team uniforms.
• STEM and coding workshops
  For kids who love gadgets, games, or just building stuff that beeps. Plus, “my kid’s learning to code” sounds pretty cool at pick-up.

Pro Tip: Programs fill up fast—especially the ones with snacks and slime. Check your school, community center, or library for updated schedules and sign-up info.

What is an IEP?

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal document under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that outlines special education services for students who meet eligibility criteria. 

Key Features: 

• Designed for students with disabilities that impact their educational performance. 
• Provides specialized instruction, accommodations, and related services (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy). 
• Requires formal evaluations and a team decision-making process. 
• Includes measurable goals and annual reviews. 

What is a 504 Plan?

A 504 Plan falls under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and is designed to provide equal access to education for students with disabilities. 

Key Features:

• Supports persons with disabilities that do not require specialized instruction but need accommodations. 
• Ensures access to general education settings with necessary adjustments (e.g., extra test time, preferential seating, modified assignments). 
• Does not require annual goals or specialized instruction but must be reviewed periodically. 

Which One Does My Child Need?

• A 504 Plan and an IEP can both help to remove barriers and provide supports for students with disabilities. Understanding these plans helps ensure your child receives the support they need to succeed in school.

Note: More than 67% of students with IEPs in Michigan spend at least 80% of their school day in general education classrooms.