After a long school day, the last thing most kids want to do when they get home is to take time for homework. Homework is a stressful but inevitable part of any child’s academic experience. Although it is not fun, homework is an extremely important aspect of any child’s education. When a child is struggling academically, homework can be a dreadful experience. Companies like Frog Street offer educational curriculums that help improve students’ vocabulary and reading skills and help them stay engaged in learning outside of school, even over long breaks. Regularly completing homework can also serve as a learning tool that helps students understand what is being taught in the classroom by working on it by themselves at home.
Here are some tips for making homework time easier.
1. Set a Routine
Setting a firm routine for children to stick to on weekdays can make it harder for them to feel the need to procrastinate homework. When kids know what to expect, they will likely do it with ease. Establishing an after-school routine that prioritizes homework makes it easier for children to learn time management and scheduling skills while completing homework with minimal stress.
2. Don’t Allow Room for Procrastination
In developing your child’s after-school routine, be sure to stress the importance of doing homework as soon as they get home from school, rather than putting it off. The longer the homework is delayed, the more likely it is that your child will not want to do it at all. Remind them that it is better to do it as soon as they get home, so they have the rest of the evening for activities they enjoy.
3. Allow Breaks
Starting homework quickly and without room for procrastination does not mean not allowing breaks, which are necessary for students to stay engaged with work and avoid burnout or unnecessary stress or frustration. Allowing your child a 10-15 minute break every time they complete an assignment is a great way to motivate them to finish work and to keep them in good spirits as they are working.
4. Ask What Helps Them
Each child is unique in the way they learn and choose to complete work. For some students, working at their own desks in silence is the only way they can focus and stay productive. For others, it can be helpful to listen to music or have a TV on for background noise (as long as it is not a distraction). If it’s a nice day, let your child do homework outside, or if they need movement, try an unconventional seating option like an exercise ball. Being open to allowing your child to do what is necessary to accomplish their best work is the key to making homework time a better experience for everyone.
5. Get Help When Needed
Although it is important that your child finish their homework, if an assignment is just too hard or they are unable to complete it without getting frustrated or upset, it is okay to take a break and reach out for help. Contacting their teacher to explain their difficulty with the work is a helpful first step, and so is reaching out to third-party tutoring or educational services.
Homework is an inevitable part of most academic experiences for students of all ages, so it is important to do what you can to make it a positive experience. Homework is one of the most important ways for students to learn and retain the information they receive in class, so it is important that it is completed in the most beneficial way for each student.
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