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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