5 Ways to Make Homework Easier
Homework.
Kids dread it and so do parents. That’s why it so often becomes a battle.
But there are five things you can do to help make homework easier for everyone.
Create a “homework spot” in your home. Could be the kitchen table, the coffee table, a bean bag, or even a yoga mat on the floor. Talk with your child and let them choose the spot that works for them. Get them into a routine of always doing their homework in that spot. Especially when younger, a spot other than their room is ideal so you can help them and monitor to make sure they are on task. Make sure it is clean and mess-free.
Don’t hover. Allow students to work at their own pace and give them space to try the work on their own unless they specifically ask for help. Gently redirect if you notice they are off task.
Keep the house quiet. One of the main issues I notice is that houses are too noisy during homework time, leading to lots of distractions. Turn off the TV or NPR. Don’t have phone conversations in the same room as your child when she’s doing homework. Ask younger siblings to play quietly or in another room. Do what you can to create an environment that aids studying.
Come up with a plan. Go over the assignments and help your child determine what to work on first. Many times students look at their homework list and shut down. Decide together how to best approach the work, whether it’s the easiest or the most unappealing first.
Establish a routine. Decide on a time when homework is done. Maybe it’s when they get home from school, or after a snack, or after dinner. It will depend on the age of the child, their schedule, and the amount of homework typically given. But set them up for success. If they do better after riding their bike for 15 minutes or eating, have them do their homework after one of those activities. Try a few things and see what works.
Check in periodically with each other to see if these things are working and make adjustments where necessary.
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