“I’ve finished my homework!”
An exclamation that most parents wish to hear from their kids. To say that the majority of kids hate homework is an understatement, for it has long been known that children and homework are two opposing elements that could lead to a slippery mix.
The assignments given by teachers, despite bringing a huge amount of pressure for the kids and parents alike is a valued tool intended to enhance the child’s learning beyond the four corners of the classroom. In its very essence, teachers assign loads of homework both for the benefit of the parent and child, for the former to have a peek into their child’s academic progress and for the latter to gain more understanding of the subject given the time they have at home.
At best, parents should put these considerations at the front row in order to ensure success with their child’s homework dilemma.
Tabled and organized
During the first day of classes, teachers hand out class schedules to students , with each list containing the apportioned time for every subject. This handout proves to be useful when helping your kids do the chore. First, prepare a timetable of subjects based on the school’s schedule. If there’s any benefit that parents could probably educe from this schedule, it would be the ease in checking the works given for each subject.
In the case of primary levels, the teachers may not assign any timetable since they have only 3 to 4 subjects and the homework given is also usually fewer. But fewer does not necessarily mean manageable . On the contrary, less work spells more trouble! It is generally harder to make younger children sit down to work when they’ve been made to believe that their homework is relatively easy. Kids seem to linger over their work and take a lot more time in doing it, and this could eventually make the parents lose their patience. In fact, there have been instances when the child plays the “puppy dog eyes” trick on their parents in order to eventually get them to doing the work instead.
Click here to learn how to plan a homework schedule
Designate a homework corner
Ensure that the homework is carried out in a quiet place, devoid of any external distractions like TV, music systems, noisy, chatty elders and the like.
There should be a separate place for them to peacefully carry out their tasks, with a proper desk and a comfortable, ergonomically beneficial chair provided. Make sure they are not disturbed by any crawling young ones, if they have younger siblings in order to avoid distraction (or fights).
Click here to know how to set up a homework area for your kid
Get to the head through the stomach
Make sure your child is not hungry or sleepy; depending on the age let the child relax by playing outdoor games after returning from school. Keep their stomachs to avoid interruptions care of potentially the loudest, most distracting of all sounds: stomach growls. But make it a point to let them gorge simple, easily-digestible supper, making it easy on their stomachs and not too heavy that it puts them straight to sleep.
Click here for a list of healthy snacks
By the book or by research
More often than not homework is just the repetition of the class work, and gauges the child’s understanding of the subject discussion. There are instances however when a child is assigned coursework that requires them to go the extra mile by doing some research work – it is at this point that they would need a hand from their parents.
Check whether the homework is research-based or just simple copying from the text book. Understanding whether the assignment is simple or intricate, is largely essential since this affects the amount of time to be devoted, as well as the amount of help needed to complete the homework.
We all know that project-based assignments are a little bit tougher if the parents are not involved. Usually for small classes it’s the duo at work: parents helping the child. This is the point when the parents have to be on their toes by continuously updating their heads on the most current information, jin order to more effectively facilitate in their kids’ homeworks.
Click here to learn on how to teach your child the proper way to do research
Hardest to easiest
Tackle the tough subjects first. This will allow the child to relax afterwards by doing the easy ones afterwards. NEVER lose your temper. Stretch your patience to the farthest stretch possible, and consider that your child must have already faced the frustrations from the school teacher. If the homework appears to be too difficult for him, lend him a hand instead of nagging him. Let him understand that the best way to go about it is by doing it step by step.
Quiz it, then enjoy it!
Make the work interesting by adding extra facts. The idea of the homework is already tedious and the most that the parent can do is to make the process enjoyable and bearable. Explain to him the potential benefits that he could reap from seeing light in these kinds of situations. Encourage him and add lots of comments like “good” and “wonderful”. There are times when the child is not at all in mood to do certain tasks. During these times, just distract him with a different one or the subject that you believe he/she would come to love. The tough ones can sit out for the moment and be completed later, but be sure to explain to him that procrastinating is one trait that he shouldn’t develop.
Click here to know how to motivate your kids to do homework
A candy for a homework
Positive reinforcement has proven its effect throughout the years in motivating persons to achieve a certain goal. This proves to be true with kids. Check his books everyday and check for faults and stars. Never scold the kid too much, if ever you discover less than acceptable marks. This will make the child lose interest completely and become very adamant. If the child is too tough to handle reward him occasionally with his favourite drink or treat. Nothing bad in it if the outcome is rewarding!
Click here to find more motivation to do homework
Help but don’t spoonfeed
Finally, understand that homework is a part of the school curriculum, so let the child handle most of the task. You should offer your help only when the child asks for it or if you see that the child is having significant difficulty. Otherwise, sit back and monitor the progress while encouraging him in between. This way he will slowly develop the habit of doing independent work.
Click here to see the video on how to act when a child refuses to do his homework
