H is for Homework

I don't know about you but sometimes I have trouble understanding my 3rd grader's homework assignments. When kids have homework questions there are plenty of places to go for help. Sometimes a trip to the library is in order but this is not always possible or practical. The internet provides a wealth of information specifically for kids. I recommend that parents peruse the abundance of sites available and bookmark a few they that would be appropriate for the needs and age levels of their children. This way you won't have to spend a lot of time hunting for the right site in the midst of a homework crisis. Choose sites that are easy to navigate and don't take you through a maze of hyperlinks to reach the desired information. Children will not have the patience for that. I also think that sites that are bright, colorful and pleasing to the eye are particularly important for children. I offer a few suggestions here but, as I mentioned, there are many wonderful sites out there so this is by no means a comprehensive list.

Ask an Expert "provides links to experts in a number of different categories." This is a great way to go right to the source for answers. For example, if your child has a question regarding space travel he can consult a NASA scientist directly. How cool is that?

Pinchbeck's Homework Helper was created by BJ when he was 11. He is now 17 and his site includes 700 links in 12 subject areas.

Infoplease's Homework Center "provides information and links to common questions in the major subject areas." The Homework Center also administers quizzes on line for those students who want to test their knowledge in specific areas.

KidInfo is visually stimulating as well as very easy to navigate. It contains a "categorized list of links to some of the best Wev sources on every subject from Art History to World History."

Multnomah Library has an excellent reputation for the Homework Center it provides. Clicking on one of the 40 topics listed will lead the user to dozens of subtopics. It is an impressive compilation of resources.

Happy Homeworking!