Keys to Helping Your Child Succeed with Homework

When students start grade school, they begin to have higher expectations of their academic work. They will start to get homework from their teachers. Doing their homework helps kids review the concepts taught in class that day. For example, beginning grade students may use homework to recognize and write the letters of the alphabet. Homework is also an extension of what took place in the classroom. Getting into good “homework habits” at a young age is essential for future study skills.

By completing homework, children learn how to work independently. They also reinforce the management of time and finishing their work to the best of their ability. Responsibility is also enhanced when a student completes an assignment, especially when they do it by themselves. Children can learn what it feels like to feel proud and accomplished after completing tasks. This feeling will go on to help children, even outside of the academic environment.

Setting Up a Productive Environment

Families can assist children with completing their homework effectively and comfortably by setting up a warm and soothing environment. Many kids enjoy doing their homework in the kitchen or dining room because it is close to their family members. As children get older, they may prefer to complete their homework in their bedrooms. You can attribute this to them wanting more privacy, or just some downtime alone. Parents may still want to check in with their children to ensure that they do not need any assistance.

The work environment should be equipped with enough lighting to see without straining. It should be comfortable for seating or lounging and contain all the needed homework supplies. This includes pencils, pens, paper, calculators, highlighters, etc. Make a small storage unit available to hold all these things comfortably. Set the homework area up so that the child can focus easily. Have them turn off the televisions, iPad, or phone too.

If a computer is needed to do assignments, place it in a shared space in the house. This way children may be less likely to play video games or browse social media sites. Parental controls may be ideal for younger children to make sure that they are only coming across age-appropriate material when doing homework. Asking the teacher to recommend useful sites is also a great idea. After getting a list of websites, you can bookmark them so that your child can have easy access to them.

How Can Parents Help?

Parents can help children with their homework by creating and keeping a consistent routine. They can also teach and model organization skills. If children feel organized and have structure, they may be more likely to initiate the homework process themselves. Parents can also talk to children about why completing homework is essential, and how the concepts they are learning may apply in the real world for them in the future.

If Your Child is Having Trouble

If completing homework is a problem for your child is being challenged, take note of how they are writing down their assignments. Are the directions clear to them? Also, look at the notes they are writing in class. Are they thorough and understandable for later use? Families should also strive to find a balance between how much and how often they will step in to assist children with their homework.