Getting kids to do homework
Labels: Homework and Tutoring
Kids gravitate toward homework at about the same speed with which they ate spinach. While parents may not be able to get them to absolutely love doing lessons after school, there are a few things you can try to help kids turn off the television and pick up a textbook. Here are a few tried and true ideas.
1. Set a designated "homework" time each day. For some families, that may mean a quick 4 p.m. snack followed by an hour or two of lessons before supper. For others, an after-dinner time works best. Set aside between one and two hours, except for very young children in grades 1 to three.
After checking family schedules for sports practice or a favorite television show, establish a mutually agreeable time when kids are expected to sit down to homework. This is a good opportunity for parents to model effective study habits by doing their own work-related tasks or by reading a book within the kids’ view.
2. Organize a homework area. Choose a quiet area with low traffic and few distractions. Dining rooms, family areas, or the child's bedroom may suffice, if there is no study or office room. Be sure to provide a desk with a comfortable chair and all the school supplies that may be needed, such as pencils with erasers, pens, markers, lined paper, and if applicable, equipment like a computer or calculator. Good lighting is essential, and keep the noise level down in nearby areas.
3. Protect your child's study time. Take phone messages or turn on the recorder, set appointments for other times, and hold off friends who come to the door to play. Encourage your kids to get the word out about the homework schedule, and interruptions will come less frequently. Consistency helps to keep everyone on task.
4. Supervise but don't intervene with your child's schoolwork. Some parents enjoy the challenge and take over an assignment as kids scamper off to do something else or sit back and watch their parent in action. Be available when genuine help is needed, but don't do the work for your student, or you'll disrupt the learning process.
5. Consider supplemental learning aids. Reference works like a dictionary, thesaurus, or research paper style guide can be helpful. CD-ROMs and software likewise can facilitate the child's efforts as well. Be careful about Internet use and check adult content blockers.
6. Take your children on family field trips. The library offers numerous resources that might be useful, such as videos, audiocassettes, books, and magazines. Or visit a local museum, nature preserve, or historical site.
7. Support your child's homework time. Provide healthy snacks during or after lessons. Fruit, veggies, nuts, or cereal bars make welcome treats, along with milk or a fruit drink. Promises of a favorite outing or special privilege after homework is satisfactorily completed can be a powerful motivator, along with rewards for good grades.
These practical steps of arranging a homework site and time, providing support and encouragement, and offering rewards for work well done may help your child learn to appreciate the value of a job well done.
1. Set a designated "homework" time each day. For some families, that may mean a quick 4 p.m. snack followed by an hour or two of lessons before supper. For others, an after-dinner time works best. Set aside between one and two hours, except for very young children in grades 1 to three.
After checking family schedules for sports practice or a favorite television show, establish a mutually agreeable time when kids are expected to sit down to homework. This is a good opportunity for parents to model effective study habits by doing their own work-related tasks or by reading a book within the kids’ view.
2. Organize a homework area. Choose a quiet area with low traffic and few distractions. Dining rooms, family areas, or the child's bedroom may suffice, if there is no study or office room. Be sure to provide a desk with a comfortable chair and all the school supplies that may be needed, such as pencils with erasers, pens, markers, lined paper, and if applicable, equipment like a computer or calculator. Good lighting is essential, and keep the noise level down in nearby areas.
3. Protect your child's study time. Take phone messages or turn on the recorder, set appointments for other times, and hold off friends who come to the door to play. Encourage your kids to get the word out about the homework schedule, and interruptions will come less frequently. Consistency helps to keep everyone on task.
4. Supervise but don't intervene with your child's schoolwork. Some parents enjoy the challenge and take over an assignment as kids scamper off to do something else or sit back and watch their parent in action. Be available when genuine help is needed, but don't do the work for your student, or you'll disrupt the learning process.
5. Consider supplemental learning aids. Reference works like a dictionary, thesaurus, or research paper style guide can be helpful. CD-ROMs and software likewise can facilitate the child's efforts as well. Be careful about Internet use and check adult content blockers.
6. Take your children on family field trips. The library offers numerous resources that might be useful, such as videos, audiocassettes, books, and magazines. Or visit a local museum, nature preserve, or historical site.
7. Support your child's homework time. Provide healthy snacks during or after lessons. Fruit, veggies, nuts, or cereal bars make welcome treats, along with milk or a fruit drink. Promises of a favorite outing or special privilege after homework is satisfactorily completed can be a powerful motivator, along with rewards for good grades.
These practical steps of arranging a homework site and time, providing support and encouragement, and offering rewards for work well done may help your child learn to appreciate the value of a job well done.