Homework Struggles and Inspirational Reads For Kids

I planned to write about new releases, read-a-louds for teachers for the fall... but instead, I spent the majority of my Sunday morning/early afternoon struggling to keep my second grader “on task” with her homework. Even as a parent, educator, and librarian I have difficulty masking my own desire to insert a “big yawn” when the word homework is mentioned. Learning is fun; homework: NEVER fun. Hmm.. I began to think- how can I motivate my child to see the value of homework, and perhaps even begin to have fun with homework? The first thing which popped into my mind was to make a game out of it, put on my “silly hat” and begin to entertain my child... but... then the realistic “facts of life” side of me decided otherwise, and so I turned to my trusty helpers- books. What great books where the main character masters homework could I find? Here is a list of books (mostly read-a-louds) designed to help a parent, tutor, teacher, or mentor conquer the daily homework struggle, all through the motivation of stories...

Zip, Zip…Homework by Nancy Poydar

Mama Rex & T: Homework Trouble by Rachel Vail & Steve Bjorkman

Time for School, Mouse! by Laura Joffe Numeroff
Dragons do eat homework by Marcia Thornton Jones
Fancy Nancy: The dazzling book report by Jane O'Connor, Robin

Preiss-Glasser and Ted Enik

Helping Hand Books: Emily’s First Day at School by Sarah Dutchess of York

ALL of these authors have been guests at Book Expo America! In fact, last year, Sarah Dutchess of York was Master of Ceremonies at the BEA Opening Children’s Book and Author Breakfast! Do you have any suggestions to add to this list?

Jill