Homework strategies
It’s a new school year, new clothes, new masks, new teachers, new friends, and the same old homework! No one likes homework, not children or their parents but it does serve several important roles. Homework reinforces the lessons taught in class. It helps the teacher gauge how well the students are grasping the material and it also informs parents about what is being taught in school. Some simple strategies can help your child stay on task and help get homework accomplished effectively and efficiently.
Take a break
Students need some down time after school before sitting down to concentrate again. Ideally allow your child to have thirty minutes to unwind before starting their homework. Refueling with a healthy snack and running around to burn off steam are good ways to help children prepare to focus on homework.
Create a distraction free zone
Have your child do their homework in an area of the house with few distractions so that they can focus. A home office or the dining room is a good choice. Bedrooms may be quiet but have many distractions- toys, games, beds! Kitchens are often occupied by siblings and pets, and we all know how distracting they can be.
Turn off the phones and the music
Cell phones are probably the number one homework distractor. Have your child put the phone in another room while doing their homework. Several studies found music with lyrics will take your focus off a task. So shut off the music unless your child likes to listen to Beethoven!
Have a homework toolbox
How frustrating is it to have to stop what you are doing to look for an item you need to complete your homework? Where is that ruler, the glue stick? Store all items your child may need to complete their homework in one container that can easily be transferred to their favorite distraction free homework spot.
Choose the easiest task first
When your child has multiple subjects to tackle begin with the easiest, not the hardest. Being able to accomplish a task easily gives children a boost of confidence that helps them psychologically deal with a more challenging task. If you start with a difficult task, it can eat away at your confidence and make you want to give up on the other tasks.
Set a timer
No one should sit struggling for hours trying to accomplish homework. Based on your child’s grade you should limit the amount of time they spend on each subject. In general, grades K through 3 should spend 10-15 minutes per subject. Grades 4-5 should spend 20 minutes per subject. Grades 6-8 should spend 30 minutes per subject and high school students should spend up to 45 minutes per subject. If your child is struggling to complete homework in the time allotted have them skip to the next subject and go back to try to complete unfinished work afterwards. It is always appropriate to reach out to your child’s teacher if you find the homework is taking too long and/or if they are struggling to complete it.
Be a supportive parent, not a teacher
It can be hard to resist the urge to “fix” your child’s homework. Remember homework is an important tool for the teacher to know how well your child is learning a topic. Homework has to be completed and handed in. It does not have to be perfect. The best way to help your child is to be in a more supportive role. Help them unwind after school. Set up a quiet place for them and give them a homework toolbox. They will ask you if they need guidance.
Homework will never be exciting, but it doesn’t have to be torturous. Taking some simple steps can help your child stay more focused and better able to complete their homework in a timely fashion. And the best reward? More time for family fun at the end of the day!