When you have school-age children, homework is a fact of life. But it doesn’t have to be unpleasant. Do your part to help your child get the most from his or her homework with this advice:
• Show your interest. Ask children about their homework assignments. Talk about why they’re important and what the child can learn from them. You need to show that homework is important and worthwhile.
• Establish a routine. Set aside regular time for homework—right after dinner, perhaps. This helps the child get into the habit of beginning on time.
• Eliminate distractions. Turn off the TV and radio, and provide adequate space where your child can work without being bothered by siblings, parents making dinner, etc.
• Help your child prioritize. Time management is essential. Your child should keep a notebook or log all of his or her assignments so none of them gets forgotten. Advise them to identify which assignments will be most difficult and time-consuming so they can start on those when they’re fresh.
• Offer help—within limits. Don’t do their homework for them. If they get stuck, ask questions and guide them through the difficulties so they’re doing the work themselves. Otherwise they won’t learn the subject—or responsibility for doing their own work.
• Praise their efforts. Getting the right answer is important, but so is supporting the process. Praise them for working hard and not giving up when they’re tired or frustrated.
• Give them a break. Let children take short breaks if they start to get too frustrated with a particular assignment. You don’t want a complete meltdown over an arithmetic problem.
Written by: Kristi Boulware
I started as a Preschool Teacher for about 8 years and then moved up through management to be a very successful School Director. Most recently with Childrens Lighthouse Learning Center's McKinney location. I have since been moved to the Home Office of Childrens Lighthouse as the Business Development Manager. You can find more information about us at http://www.childrenslighthouse.com/.
