Homework is a common expectation for most primary and secondary aged children. The nature of the activities will vary between different schools and for different ages and so it is best to discuss expectations with your child’s teacher. While requirements may vary, most educators agree that reading is the most valuable homework a child can do and should become a daily habit. Parents can help children develop sound study habits from a young age, which include a predictable routine, encouraging effective use of time and helping them get organised.
Some ideas:
Establish a predictable routine. If homework is done at the same time each night, getting started is usually less of an issue. Maybe before children are allowed to go out and play, maybe after dinner before children are allowed to watch TV?
Make homework time as enjoyable as possible. When sharing a book, make yourself comfortable, be involved in the story and enjoy yourself. Don’t make reading a test.
Establish a good working environment for students. Make sure they have a quiet area away from distractions that is well lit and with good ventilation. A table or a desk makes a good workspace, although don’t be surprised if they spread their work out all over the kitchen table. Some children just love to be around others.
Encourage children to work reasonably quickly and efficiently. Have a set time limit which they strive to stick to. A little work each night is more productive than packing it all into one weekly session. Especially the night before it is to be handed in. This practice raises everybody’s stress levels.
Encourage children to become organised by planning homework around their extra-curricular activities. A weekly planner or diary will help older students to organise themselves.
Keep explanations simple and practical when helping a child. If you become upset or frustrated and the atmosphere becomes tense, stop helping.
If your child has a problem, talk about the best way to find a solution. Perhaps between the two of you it can be worked out. Perhaps it can be worked out by asking the teacher for help the next day.
Be realistic and don’t expect to solve all homework difficulties. When in doubt, send a note to your child’s teacher, letting her or him know the problem. They will appreciate being informed.
