If your student is new to middle school, he or she might have already discovered one big difference from elementary school -- the homework load.

A recent survey, "The Great Homework Divide," found that students and their parents struggle to adjust to the middle school workload, which can be both heavier and more varied than anything in elementary school.

In cooperation with LeapFrog Enterprises Inc., the National Education Association has developed "Bridging the Great Homework Divide: A Solutions Guide for Parents of Middle School Students" to help parents and middle school students meet the homework challenges they may face. It includes the following tips:

1. Be prepared.

• Assume your child will have to study every night. Even if there isn't a specific assignment to complete, establish and maintain regular homework time. If students don't have any homework on a particular night, suggest that they study for upcoming tests, do background research for long term assignments, review notes from class or read a book.
• Set up a comfortable location for doing homework. Students need a distraction-free place to do homework. The kitchen table (with proper lighting), a clean work surface and a supportive chair can be an ideal place.  Avoid letting your child do homework in an environment that is too comfortable, such as on a bed or a couch.
• Make sure your child has the necessary supplies. Many middle school teachers require specific tools, such as red pens, highlighters, graph paper, calculators and three-hole punches. They may also expect students to have access to a computer and the Internet, which most school and public libraries make available for everyone's use.
• Work with your child’s outside activity schedule and preferences when setting up a regular homework time. Many middle school students have an assortment of outside activities that might limit their time to do homework. Try to make it easier by establishing a routine homework time. Some children have a better attention span in the afternoon or evening and can order their priorities based on their family schedules.
• Help your child get organized. It's a good idea—and often a requirement—for your child to keep a schedule planner. Encourage your child to write down all assignments daily and even use the planner to maintain a longer-term "to-do" list. Students may enjoy checking off assignments as they are completed.

2. Understand teachers' policies and expectations.

• Ensure that your child knows each teacher's homework policy. Most middle school teachers either hand out a printed summary of homework expectations or post it on the class Web site at the beginning of the school year or new semester. Review the expectations together and have your child keep the summary in a personal binder or in a safe place at home that is easily accessible.
• Encourage your child to ask questions. Some middle school students are nervous about asking their teachers about assignments or instructions they don't understand. Reinforce the notion that teachers want students to ask questions before leaving the classroom or school for the day so that they have the information they need to complete assignments properly.
• Remind your child to visit teachers if needed. Teachers often make a point to be in the classroom before school, at lunch or after school. If your child still has trouble understanding homework assignments, encourage him or her to take a few minutes to discuss homework questions with the teacher when they can talk one-on-one.

3. Be available and teach by example.

• Make yourself available during homework time. While you've probably had a long day, just like your child, and may want to watch TV or run errands, it can benefit you both if you are nearby while your child does homework. You may consider using this time to read, pay bills or do paperwork that you can easily set aside if your child needs assistance with homework.
• Stop by and check in while your child does homework, offering your support and advice. Teachers believe parents are the best source of motivation for students. You may serve as a sounding board as your child works through interesting ideas or challenging problems.
• Show interest in your child's schoolwork and discuss what your child is learning. Although they might not admit it, middle school students still like to know that their parents are interested in what they do. Ask questions about school that day, new homework assignments or what your child likes or doesn't like about a particular lesson, class or subject.
• Watch for signs of failure or frustration. If you sense that your child is getting frustrated or discouraged, try to provide guidance without necessarily providing answers. Sometimes suggesting that your child take a short break can be the best advice you can give. Offer to talk through the problem following the break. Your positive attitude about working through frustrations also can be part of the learning process. You will be helping your child develop a healthy ability to stick with problems until they can be solved.