The children are settling into a new school year and are just beginning to come to grips with what their teachers expect of them. As parents and carers, we are grappling with how we can best support them when they arrive home with spellings to learn, books to read and homework to do. Kids are more successful in school when parents and carers take an active interest in their homework — it shows kids that what they do is important.
Homework is important but so are happy children. Finding a balance that works for you and your child is the key. Here are some helpful hits to make homework a breeze:
- Get to know your child’s teacher. Attend school events, such as parent-teacher nights and ask how you can assist your child in their homework.
- Set up a homework-friendly area at home. Make sure kids have a well-lit place to complete homework. Keep supplies — paper, pencils, glue, scissors — within reach.
- Schedule a regular time. Some kids work best in the afternoon, following a snack and play period; others may prefer to wait until after dinner.
- Help them make a plan. If your child has a lot of homework encourage them to break up the work into manageable chunks, taking breaks if necessary.
- Keep distractions to a minimum. This means no TV, loud music, or phone calls.
- Make sure kids do their own work. They won’t learn if they don’t think for themselves and make their own mistakes. Parents can make suggestions and help with directions, but it’s a kid’s job to do the learning.
- Be a motivator and monitor. Ask about assignments, quizzes, and tests. Give encouragement, check completed homework, and make yourself available for questions and concerns.
- Set a good example. Do your kids ever see you diligently doing house paperwork or reading a book? Kids are more likely to follow their parents’ examples than their advice.
- Praise their work and efforts. Post an aced test or art project on the refrigerator. Mention academic achievements to relatives.
- If there are continuing problems with homework, get help.Talk about any problems with your child’s teacher, together you can find a solution.
Best wishes for happy homework time!
