Follow these simple steps for a positive learning experience
Homework not only helps a child learn about school subjects, it is also one of the first ways kids develop responsibility. Homework can be trying for children, but with a little help from Mom and Dad, it can be a positive learning experience.
Here are some ways you can help.
Take a Break
Before sending your child off to do his homework, take time to help him unwind by talking about each other’s day. Ask your child how things went at school – and be sincere, not nosy. Value them as a person, understanding that the big things in their lives might not be the same as yours, but that makes them no less important. These are precious moments to help your child relax, while strengthening your relationship.
Regularity is a key factor in academic success.
Try to organize the household so that supper is served at a standard time, and once it and family discussions are over, it’s time to crack the books. If the student doesn’t have other commitments and gets home reasonably early from school, some homework can be done before dinner.
Observe your child’s homework habits.
Is she stuck on a certain task or is she easily distracted? Does she understand the directions, or is she making the assignment harder than it really is? Is her studying interrupted by television, phone calls, or chatting with other family members? If so, you may need to rethink your homework rules or discuss these difficulties with her teacher.
Homework
Offer Help
Tell your child when he sits down that you’re available to help him if he needs it. If it turns out that you don’t understand the work and are not able to help him directly, try to find free resources online. Or if you can’t find the answer, make a note of it to discuss with the teacher the next day. He or she may be able to offer some advice or additional resources.
Keep in touch with your child’s teacher.
If your child is having ongoing homework problems, such as difficulty understanding what the assignments are or how to complete them, or if he breezes through them as though they were no challenge at all, let his teacher know. The teacher may adjust the assignments so they are more in sync with his capabilities.
Play Hard
When your child is finished with her homework, then do something fun. All work and no play is boring for everyone, so reward their hard work with some quality family time, a special meal, a quick board game, or pop in a fun movie. Life is for living, not just studying.
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