Avoiding the homework blues – ten top tips

Avoiding the homework blues – ten top tips

We’ve all been there. The last minute rush to get homework done that leaves both you and your child stressed, and, in contrast, the homework session that drags on and on with your child twiddling their pen, staring into space.

But homework can, and should, be time well spent that connects you to your child’s learning, as well as being a benefit to your child’s overall education. Here’s how.

Location is all

Provide your child with a quiet, well-lit space, away from distractions and with all the study materials they need to hand — paper, pens and pencils, a dictionary, and whatever else he or she may need to be comfortable yet productive.

Personal space

Try to find a separate space for each of your children, or schedule quiet times for homework in designated spaces. If one child finishes their homework earlier than the other, try to encourage reading time or quiet time until the entire family is ready for some together, or ‘noisy’ time.

Create a routine

Most kids are most productive earlier in the evening and not too close to bedtime. Some need a little after-school play break and dinner, or at least an energising snack, before hitting the books. The most important thing is to establish a routine that works for your child.

Be there

Be available to answer homework questions. Try doing a problem or two together, then watch as your child tries the next one. Let’s face it: you’re a busy parent with a lot going on, but if you want your child to perceive homework as a priority than it needs to yours too.

Avoid giving answers

Doing the work for your child is a no-no. It can be tempting to give answers to save time, but this will not support your child’s learning. Instead, ask questions that lead your child see the problem in smaller, sequential steps.

Communicate with teachers

Make use of any means provided of giving feedback to teachers about how your child responded to the homework activity. Most schools have some sort of system in place, and if there isn’t, suggest one! If the tasks aren’t set at the correct level, and are too easy or too difficult, your child will become demotivated.

Review mistakes

Discuss errors to be sure your child understands the task they have been given. Incorrect answers are an opportunity to learn.

Reward work

Consider a reward system to recognise your child’s efforts. Depending on your child’s age, the reward could be anything from a sticker to points on a rewards chart which could be traded in for things like books, games, pens, toys and perhaps even a day trip.

Be positive

It can be hugely frustrating to help a child who has lost interest in their homework, but try not to get annoyed. Count to ten, and look for a positive. It could be a neatly written word, or teacher feedback from an earlier task. Praise can work wonders!

Remember the power of sleep!

If your child is finding it difficult to concentrate, try moving bedtime forward by half an hour – or more – for one week. If your child’s schedule is booked every afternoon and evening with clubs and socialising, it might be time to rethink all those extra activities.

 

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