Maybe you remember the nightly battles with your parents to get you to do your homework assignments when you were a child. The endless struggle to complete those worksheets when all you wanted to do was go play outside; life was tough as a kid! We’ve all been there, but remember that this now distant battle was worth it in the end. We’ve come up with some helpful tips for creating a homework schedule that works for you and your child!
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One step at a time
Looking at a long list of things to do can be very overwhelming, no matter what your age is, or what’s on that list. When your child sees a long list of the homework that they need to complete, it might seem completely unmanageable to them. Try splitting up the tasks that need to be completed into shorter lists. If a task seems particularly overwhelming, divide it into sections that can be done one at a time (e.g. When writing a story, divide the process into: brainstorm, beginning, middle, end, edit).
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Cut down on the after-school activities
Don’t get us wrong, these activities have their own value and importance in the development of your child. However, it’s important to make sure that there is a balance in their lives and that they have enough time to do their homework. If your child has an activity every night of the week, consider cutting back on some of these to leave the time for homework.
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Set up a routine
When your child gets home from school, consider allowing them a break from getting back to their studies right away. They just spent a whole day in school and might need to fuel up before sitting down to focus. Instead, when they get home, offer a snack and some playtime and then settle into 30-40 minutes of homework before dinner. Establishing a routine is very important so that your child knows what to expect.
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Set up a work area
It’s important to set up a space for your child that is free of on-going distractions where the main focus is studying. Remember that this doesn’t mean that the area has to be completely silent. Create an area that suits your child’s personality and learning style and your child will be able to enjoy the space where they work on their homework.
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Have fun!
Remember how much you wanted to have fun instead of doing your homework? Try to reduce the repetition of homework and make it more fun for your child by including visuals and games.
