Winning the Homework Battle:
3 Important Tips for Homework Success
School, as you all know, does not end with the dismissal bell at 3 o’clock. A large part of a child’s formal study takes place in the home. Homework is something that we grew up doing, and something that continues to be part of a parent’s life with kids. We know it is difficult at times for your child to focus on homework after a long day of school. Some days, it even feels like a battle. We hope that these tips will help you and your child see homework as a time for growth not strife.
[divider scroll_text=””]1. Designate a Space
Set up a study area:
For the best homework results, your child must have a place in which to work that is free from unnecessary distractions. Consistency is important. Having a designated homework space will allow students to focus on the task at hand and help them form healthy study habits. Remember, your child does not need a lot of space to do homework. The kitchen table or a corner of the living room is fine, as long as it is well-lit and quiet. Whenever possible, keep the study area off limits to brothers and sisters during homework time.
2. Designate a Time
Schedule daily homework time:
Having a scheduled time set aside each day to complete homework is essential. Teach your child to stop all other activities and go to his/her study area when it is Daily Homework Time. Work with your child to create a Daily Schedule which includes after school activities and responsibilities for the week. Post the schedule in a prominent location and encourage your child to stick to the schedule. It may also help to set a timer or make sure a clock is visible so that your child can keep track of their progress and begin learning time management skills.
Help your child prioritize their work time:
Have your child work on the more difficult assignments at the beginning of their homework time, while their mind is still fresh. This has a number of benefits. If they get stuck on a problem or an assignment, they still have time to contact a friend or classmate for help. Working late into the evening causes stress for the whole family. Completing homework right after school, or on the way home is ideal, because your child is still processing the day.
3. Designate Resources
Parents, you have homework too:
It is important to not only verbally encourage your child but to set an example with your priorities. During these formative years, your accessibility is important to your child’s success. Be available to observe your child and answer questions during their homework time. Keep open communication with their teacher(s) to be aware of your child’s strengths and weaknesses in the classroom.
Create a Homework Survival Kit:
Let’s not forget an obvious, but sometimes overlooked, factor- having the right materials. A fun activity you can do with your child, is to create a Homework Survival Kit. A Homework Survival Kit contains supplies needed to do homework such as sharp pencils, erasers, writing paper, dictionary, etc. As your child gets older, a greater majority of their homework relies on textbooks and other school handouts. Remind your child to double check their backpacks and homework assignments to make sure they have the necessary resources for that night’s homework.
By designating a space, a time, and the appropriate resources for your child’s homework time, you are enabling them to learn responsibility and reinforce what they are learning in the classroom.