How to Take the Work out of Homework
Homework.
It’s a noun with a public relations problem. While accurate — it is work that you do at home — it just doesn’t sound like a lot of fun — with the work part and all.
Maybe we should start calling it Supplemental Educational Opportunities? Or Brain-Boosting Bonanza? “B-to-the-3″ has a nice ring.
Regardless of its name, homework is here to stay. My step-daughter has been bringing home assignments since she was in kindergarten. We usually try to get it out of the way early in the evening, but sometimes it’s a struggle to fit it in or keep her focused.
What tips do you have for helping your children with homework? How do you assist the younger ones, or encourage older students? Do you think homework is worthwhile?
E-mail me at ssimpson@oklahoman.com
Susan Simpson, Education Writer
Glue for You
I’m not a student but I love the school supply aisle.
The bounty of brightly colored notebooks (one subject, three-subject, wide-ruled) the pegs of pens (retractable, felt, ball point) the little plastic pencil sharpeners that never really work, the big big box of crayons.
Who says school supplies are only for kids? Grown-ups can find treasures as well, often cheaper than at the local office supplier.
We all need paper, and that Helly Kitto notebook will be a cute addition to my desk. Purple pens are a fun ways to write a note to a co-worker. And for my “must meet deadline or else” days, there’s the Super Woman eraser set, which might not make me work faster but makes me smile.
So don’t let the kids have all the fun. Add some sparkle to your plain-Jane work supplies. Except for the protractor — I never really figured that one out.
Susan Simpson, Education Writer
Shop-nanza
Kohl’s department store opened at 8 a.m. today, an hour early. But customers started lining up at 7:30.
When I got there a few hours later, the store was busy, but not packed with shoppers, probably because many people had to work today.
Not Abby Thomas. The mom of two took off work today to beat the crowds and save money on school clothes. She was joined by her mother, Carol Smith, who was buying clothes for four grandkids. The sales tax savings, 8.35 percent at this store on Northwest Expressway, was icing on the cake, she said. That’s because every item in the store was on sale.
“When you are buying a lot, outfitting four kids, it is a significant savings,” Smith said.
Tina Novak had considered going to Dallas to shop during the Texas sales tax holiday, so she was happy to hear that Oklahoma established its own weekend to help parents save on back-to-school clothes. Her 12-year-old son Hunter needs jeans, shoes and t-shirts for school.
“I had planned to spend $250 this weekend,” she said.
The sales tax break will save her $20.87. Not a bad deal, if you ask me.
Let me know about your bargains at ssimpson@oklahoman.com
Susan Simpson, Education Writer
