This post on Homework Tips & Tricks was originally posted on 2nd September 2014, but I wanted to re-publish it for you guys today incase any of you are looking for some help when the new school year starts in a couple of weeks time. I hope you enjoy it …
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Stacey over the past 6 years, it’s that once the school bell rings at the end of the day, she doesn’t want to think about it again until tomorrow. I totally understand where she’s coming from of course, but when the teacher has set her some homework and she says she’ll ‘do it in the morning’, I don’t think it’s very healthy for me to let her have her own way.
It goes without saying that children are more successful in school when parents take an active interest in their homework – I genuinely think it shows them that what they do is important.
However, helping with homework doesn’t mean spending hours hunched over a desk. Parents can be supportive by demonstrating study and organization skills, explaining a problem that their child is finding tricky, or just encouraging them to take a ten minute break. And who knows – they may learn a thing or two as well!
If you’re looking for ways to help your child make the most of their homework time this year, or are just after a few tips to help it run more efficiently then never fear – I am here to share my top 10 homework tips with you today.
01. Know the teacher(s) – and what they’re looking for
Always make the time to attend your child’s parents evening. At Stacey’s old primary school they usually had two – one a few weeks after the new school year started and then one a little further into the school year. At parents evening you get to meet your child’s teacher and discuss their progress with them. I usually ask if there’s anything that we can do at home to help her and all but one of her teachers so far have been happy to provide me with some ideas. I also know from experience that they don’t mind you calling up to ask any questions you may have either. After all, it shows that you’re taking a keen interest in your child’s education.
02. Set up a homework area
I usually encourage Stacey to do her homework at the kitchen table. We don’t have a television in there so it’s a distraction-free zone! I usually set up the table for homework time around an hour before Stacey is due home from school so I can be sure that everything she might need is already there – from paper and pencils to rulers, scissors and glue. I always find that it’s best to do homework in a well-lit place as well, rather than somewhere that is quite dark.
03. Schedule a regular study time
I admit that this one can be tricky! Stacey has dancing lessons after school on Monday’s and Tuesdays and I like to make sure she’s eaten before she heads off, which leaves little or no time for her to do her homework. And then of course she’ll say she’s too tired to do it once she gets back. But on days when she has no after school activities she likes to come in, have a drink and a snack and change in to some more comfortable clothes before she makes a start on it. Other children may find they work better after they’ve had dinner or after they’ve had a little play time.
04. Help your child to make a plan
If there is more than one piece of homework to be tackled, we find that breaking it down into manageable chunks works best. We create a work schedule for the evening if necessary and I make sure that Stacey takes a 10 minute break every hour so it’s not too overwhelming for her. I also try to sit with her and catch up on some blogging if I know she has quite a lot of work to do so she doesn’t feel alone, and I think it sets a good example as well.
05. Keep distractions to a minimum
At homework time I don’t allow any television, loud music or cute little brothers. And this year Stacey also has a mobile phone so I will be banning that at homework time too. Having said that though – if your child is struggling with something and you don’t think that you can help, a quick phone call to a classmate might really benefit your little one and I would of course allow this. Just don’t let them strike up a conversation about anything else while they’re at it!
06. Make sure children do their own work
I’ve made the mistake of giving Stacey the answer on more than one occasion, and what will she have learned from this? Nothing! Children won’t learn if they don’t think for themselves and make their own mistakes. As a parent you can give suggestions and help with explaining the problems, but ultimately it needs to be their answer on the paper – whether it’s right or wrong!
07. Be encouraging
Children love it when parents take an interest in their homework. Encouragement can be given in lots of different ways – by asking questions about up and coming tests, holding up flash cards, checking homework or just bringing over a fresh glass of juice when they’ve run out. My advice here though is to always make yourself available at homework time for any questions or concerns that your child may have.
08. Set a good example
Stacey has always enjoyed reading and doing puzzles, and this is more than likely because I read and do puzzles a lot myself! If your kids see you doing things like balancing your budget (or updating your blog) then they’re more than likely to start following your example rather than your advice.
09. Praise them for their efforts
Kids thrive on praise! I often stick Stacey’s merit certificates on the fridge and mention to friends and relatives how great she’s done at something. It makes her smile and encourages her to do well again in the future. And if she’s done something exceptional then I will often treat her to a small toy or a meal out at her favourite restaurant. Sticker charts also worked really well when she was younger. You know your children better than anyone though and can probably think of many other awesome ways to praise them that they will love!
10. If there are continuing problems with homework, get help
As I mentioned before, teachers are always happy to take your call! They are there to help and care about your child’s education just as much as you do. Please don’t be frightened to pick up the phone and ask for help!
And there you have it, my top 10 homework tips. I hope you found this post helpful and I’m more than happy to answer any other questions that you guys may have as well – just leave me a message in the comments box below, or drop me an e-mail at withlovefromlou@outlook.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Do you guys have a homework routine, or any other tips to share?
I’d love to hear them if you do!
Thanks for reading.
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Some really good tips! I think nowadays they give children way to much homework and put too much pressure on them, but its always handy with tips like this to take a little pressure off them!
Sian | The Tattooed Princess ♥
Sian recently posted…Wildfox Wishlist | Friday Favourites
I couldn’t agree more! Stacey used to bring ridiculous amounts home from Primary School, and she starts secondary in September so I can only imagine that it’s going to get worse!X
Louise recently posted…Origins ‘Just the Essentials’ Set
Some really good advice especially the first point with regards to the teacher x
Rachel recently posted…My Super affordable AW15 Shoe and Boot Wishlist
Thanks Rachel 🙂 X
Louise recently posted…5 Autumn Fashion Trends I’ll Be Rocking This Year
I’m dreading the days when my little one will be in school and have homework, I think it’s definitely a good thing for parents to get involved each day after school and do it with them. Xx
Lisa – Leelee Loves recently posted…Medela Swing Single Electric Breast Pump Giveaway
I think it makes it just that little bit easier for them. I always save some blog posts to write while Stacey does her homework. We can then do our ‘work’ together and it feels like less of a chore 🙂 X
Louise recently posted…Moroccan Chicken with Sweet Potato Mash
Some really good tips here Lou! I think praising kids for their work really needs to be more of a priority. I know teachers don’t want to be accused of favoritism, but if a child does well they deserve to be told! x
Zoe | http://www.ibelieveinromeo.blogspot.ie
Zoe Alicia recently posted…Love, No Matter What
Thank you Zoe 🙂 I’ve been thinking about introducing a reward scheme for homework now Stacey’s a secondary school. Maybe something like £25 if she completes everything she’s supposed to per term?X
Louise recently posted…Rebates Zone’s Top 50 UK Beauty Bloggers
Some great tips here, I am however hoping that my Little Man isnt going to have too much homework being in reception. Guess we will soon find out. x
Blogging Mummy recently posted…Easy Ways To Get Your Kids Involved In Gardening
Usually reception classes don’t have too much. I think Stacey used to bring home two sheets a week 🙂 X
Louise recently posted…Back to School 2015 – M&S Sports Kit Review
I’ve shown this to my friend at work whose daughter is struggling with the idea of homework looming again. She’s taken many many notes from it, so very useful – thank you
Melissa Lee recently posted…Erin Condren Life Planner 2015 – 2016 | First Impressions & Review
Aww, that’s so lovely to hear. Thank you for the lovely comment. I hope it helps with her daughters homework progress this year X
Louise recently posted…Christening Gift Ideas
You have some great tips here. My eldest girl is in secondary school and spends hours doing homework. It’s crazy, I hate seeing children under so much pressure.
Nicola – Simply Homemade recently posted…Fairy Cakes
It’s horrible isn’t it? I’m actually considering home ed for my youngest as I think schools just expect too much nowadays. I’d rather my kids had more of a life experience X
Louise recently posted…Summer Wedding Outfit Ideas 2015
Homework is something my son is now going to have on a much more regular basis as he is starting secondary school.
Emma recently posted…Why I am looking forward to September!
I’m dreading it for Stacey Emma! She’ll not know what’s hit her {‘;’} X
Louise recently posted…My thoughts on Zoella’s Tutti Fruity Range
What some great tips – I remember hating homework so much when I was at school lol. x
Sarah Bailey recently posted…JASON – Smoothing Coconut: Review
Me too! We used to get about 5 pieces a night and it was just too much. I couldn’t keep up :'( X
Louise recently posted…Ahava Night Mineral Makeover Kit
Great advice…..I think I hate homework more than my girls do….lol
Kim Carberry recently posted…We can’t wait for the Weekend – #WotW
You have some amazing tips here – I will pass them into my two younger siblings as one of them is going into an exam year 🙂 x
Rebecca recently posted…My Online Bullying Story
regular study time and sticking to a plan are top tips! not only will it help your child with his/her homework but also in the future. There’s no better skill than organisation to pass on x
Rachael P recently posted…5 things to do on a Friday for a better Monday
some really useful tips, we’re no where near that stage yet but I think trying to keep your child interested and not he right path with homework will always be difficult. So setting some boundaries and helping them know what to expect is definitely the way forward.
The London Mum recently posted…Autumn Mummy Essentials
I’m so glad we homeschool our children, homework is such a drain on the small amount of time kids have just to be kids… sounds like you have some great ideas for making the best of it though!
Claire Ridewood recently posted…Little Passports Subscription Giveaway
Great post! The homework area is a super idea. It is a great idea to have a place where you are able to sit and concentrate.
Helen Dickinson recently posted…Things to do in Bournemouth #HiddenGems
Some really good tips. I could have done with these tips when I was at school!
Rebecca Smith recently posted…My Happy Place
Some really good points there. J is due to start homework this year as she approaches year one. I am dreading it. She doesn’t like to do anything usually other then chill out. But getting it all set up ready sounds like a good idea. Thanks
Mummy Ms memories recently posted…A day out at Farmers Palmers
Some brilliant pointers here lou. Carson’s heading into y3 in September so there’ll be lots of homework.
joanna smith recently posted…Buying School Uniforms: A Trutex Review
Lots of great advice here, some of it would never have occured to me! so thanks for sharing it. My daughter is a long way off school but I do remember my own school days and hope that she likes learning and school.
Jenni – Odd Socks and Lollipops recently posted…Things to think about when renting a house with children
Making them do their own work – that one’s so important, isn’t it. It’s so tempting to help them out but you aren’t really helping them when you do that, are you!
linda hobbis recently posted…Review: Brewers Fayre, Barry Island – A Real Family Affair
great tips! I sit down and blog when my eldest is doing her homework too, I agree it sets a good example
Ali recently posted…10 Things to Do In London when you are 8
Such a wise list of things and I am sure my mum followed some of these 🙂
Anushree Ganguly recently posted…Mind your Head – Fun Run
I hated doing my homework when I was younger and could have really done with these amazing tips. 🙂
Daniella | Freshly Pressed Beauty
Daniella recently posted…The Weekly Top Five #5
great tips, i could have used them when i was in school.
A homework area is an absolute must! Especially if you make it a really nice area, good stationary, only to be used for homework! It can make them feel important and like they have their own little office. I still do that for myself at the age of 23! xx
Codie Louise Austin recently posted…Lush Spa: Comforter Treatment Review!
Great tips, I think having a designated area for homework is a must. I bought my daughter a whiteboard so she could make her own timetable which really helped her keep to a schedule too.
I really don’t like homework. In France the boys’ secondary school day runs from 7.50am to 4.35pm with a long bus ride at either end so they are out of the house for 11 hours and then have homework to do when they get home. They are tired, they are hungry and they want some of their own time to do their own thing but if homework is not done then detention looms. But as they have homework and they must do it then your tips are great!
Popping by from the Back to School Linky
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