Talk with your third grader about homework to help her understand why it is important to do homework well. Explain to her that double-checking her homework is a way to correct errors, mistakes or oversights and that it is not wrong to make mistakes. Discuss how everyone makes mistakes and that is a part of the learning process. Explain that going over homework a second time will also help her to remember important things in the lesson.
The National Education Association suggests that children in the third grade should do about thirty minutes of homework a day. A regular after-school schedule helps a child keep up with homework. Set a daily time for homework and keep a clock near the place in your home where he does his homework. Help him make a habit of spending the last five minutes double-checking the homework every day.
The watchful eye of a parent can help motivate a third grader and keep her focused. Setting up a homework area in a public space such as the living room, dining room or kitchen, allows a parent to monitor a child while she does her homework. It also allows the student to ask questions or seek help from the parent and allows the parent to gently remind her to check over her work.
Praise, encouragement and rewards can help motivate a third grader and keep him on track. If a child knows that doing homework correctly pleases his parents or results in a reward, he will be more inspired to double check it after completing it. Spend time going over homework with your child and praise him when he does well; let him know that you are proud of the work he is doing and reward him with treats such as a trip to a playground, watching a movie or his favorite meal.