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Tips on how to end homework hassles!

If homework time is always a headache, these strategies will make life easier for your child— and you. Homework. It may be the least favored compound word in a kid’s vocabulary and one sure to elicit groans. “But Mom, school’s over. I’m home. Why do I have to do more work?”

Sound familiar? Your child hates doing homework, and you hate the nightly test of wills when you push him to complete it. But there is a better way. It starts with understanding what’s keeping your child from doing his work: a lack of motivation or a lack of skills. Fortunately, striving to create a pleasant homework environment for your child involves using techniques that can motivate him as well as address some specific skill problems.

Set It to Music:

Research has shown that music is a great motivator. Teens complete more homework with background accompaniment and children with ADHD show markedly better performance when they’re listening to music. .
Define a Work Space:

Although a desk is nice, younger children may do better at the kitchen table, closer to you while you’re preparing dinner. Just make sure it’s clear of clutter, including the daily newspaper, junk mail, or any other distraction. Make Homework a Game: There are plenty of ways to teach various skills using games. Flash cards are a reliable and fun way to reinforce sight words and multiplication tables. Geography games can help commit all those state capitals to memory, and as for the computer, there’s no shortage of educational software available.

Stay the Course:

Eventually there comes a time when kids have to face up to the fact homework is just that—work to be done at home. Nobody likes it, but in reality, everybody gains something. For a teacher, homework extends instructional time; for a parent, it provides a window into the classroom; and for a child, it’s an opportunity to acquire real organizational and study
skills that will serve him over a lifetime. Encourage Independence: Parents also need to fight the temptation to fill in those last remaining answers themselves just because it’s late and everybody’s tired. The child willl only come to
expect it on a regular basis, and you may come to resent your involvement.
Keep Communication Lines Open:

Your monitoring of homework communicates to your daughter an interest in what she’s learning. Don’t let homework disputes come between you and your child. Consider hiring a tutor if things reach an impasse. Try a number of different approaches to homework. It may take a while before you hit upon the solution that works best for your child. Of course, if you suspect a particular problem, always seek advice from an appropriate professional, be it a pediatrician, optometrist, school psychologist, or similar. Homework doesn’t have to be a drag for all concerned. Mix some creative problem solving with a little bit of effort, and your family will reap the benefits.

-June Allan Corrigan , SchoolFamily.com

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As I spoke about in last month’s newsletter, we are continuing our rent early
bird contest! Of the first 10 payments received each month, we randomly pick
one resident to receive a $100 discount off their next month’s rent!

August Winner

Jeff Crowell

September Winner

Bart & Penelope Topoly

Congratulations to both families! Good luck in October!

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Apple Crisp:

Filling:

2 1/2 pounds (1.2 kg) or 6 cups Granny Smith Apples or other firm, tart-tasting apple (peeled, cored, and cut into 1 inch (2.54cm) chunks)
1 cup fresh blackberries or raspberries (optional)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons (40 grams) white granulated sugar

Topping:

1/2 cup (65 grams) all purpose flour
1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated white sugar
1/4 cup (55 grams) light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon fresh or ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons (84 grams) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/3 cup (30 grams) old-fashioned rolled oats
1/3 cup (40 grams) chopped walnuts or pecans

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and place rack in the center of the oven. Butter or spray with a cooking spray, a 9 inch (23 cm) deep dish pie plate or an 8 x 8 x 2 inch (20 x 20 x 5 cm) baking dish. (Can also make 8 individual ramekins.) Set aside.

For Topping:

Place all the topping ingredients (flour, sugars, spices, butter, oats and nuts) in a food processor and process until the mixture is crumbly (looks like coarse meal) and there are no large pieces of butter visible. (This can also be done with two knives or your fingertips.) Set aside while you prepare the filling.

For Filling:

Place the apple chunks in a large bowl, along with the berries (if using) and lemon zest. Toss with the lemon juice and sugar. Transfer to your prepared baking dish Spread the topping evenly over the apples.

Bake for approximately 30-40 minutes (20 - 25 minutes for individual ramekins) or until bubbly, and the topping is golden brown. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool for about 30 minutes before serving. Serve with softly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Refrigerate leftovers and reheat before serving.

Makes 4 servings.

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In the past, we have been emailing the newsletters to each resident every month. We have always kept paper copies in the office for your convenience as well.
Starting this month, each newsletter will be delivered to your front door for your convenience. You still will be able to access it online and there are always extra copies in the leasing office and in the newsletter box next to the mailboxes.

~Mgmt.