Homework is very important for a student's academic success, but it is infamously known to be a source of stress and frustration for both the child and the parent/guardian. While homework is meant to reinforce what has been learned in school and help to prepare for more advanced work, it can quickly become a chore if not approached in the right way. In this blog, we’ll explore some practical tips for making homework a fun and engaging experience for your child.
1. Establish a consistent routine.
One of the major keys to achieving success in any endeavour is to create consistent habits and routines. It's no different when approaching homework. A good idea is to set aside a specific time every evening to do homework. Even on days when your child has no homework, try to have them do some sort of activity during this time. This can range from doing extra work from an online worksheet or textbook, revision of school work or even watching educational videos.
2. Allow your child to cool off or decompress before starting homework.
Don't just jump straight into doing homework as soon as your child has reached home from school. Of course you just want to "get it out of the way" but that is not the best attitude towards doing homework. Everyone is tired after the long day at school and work and then worse yet if you had to endure hours of traffic on the journey home. So it's best to take a moment to cool down and get in the right frame of mind for learning. A cool shower might help.
3. Give your child a healthy snack before starting homework.
As part of the decompression after school, a nice, light and healthy snack can be comforting. Not to mention it will give your child some energy to power through their homework session. Fruits are excellent as a light snack. Try to stay away from excessively sugary foods or heavy meals before the homework session because this will only make your child groggy. Remember we cannot learn on an empty stomach but we also cannot perform optimally if we are over full.
4. Set up a designated learning space.
The environment in which your child does their homework can have a big impact on their experience. Designating a specific homework area, free from distractions like the TV or phone, can help your child stay focused and on task. Also, make sure everyone in the home is respectful of this time and space. It should be as quiet and clean as possible.
5. Incorporate fun into homework.
Homework doesn’t have to be all work and no play. Incorporating fun into homework can make it a more enjoyable experience for your child. Try gamifying homework by making it into a game or competition. Making homework social by encouraging your child to do it with a friend or sibling can also make it more enjoyable.
6. Set Realistic Goals and Rewards
Setting realistic goals and rewards for homework can help motivate your child to complete their work and make it a positive experience. Encourage your child to set achievable goals and celebrate small wins along the way. For example, you can allow certain privileges like choosing what's for dinner or extra time on devices when your child reaches certain milestones.
Making homework easier for your child can take some effort, but it’s well worth it in the end for everyone in the house. By incorporating these simple suggestions, you can help make homework a positive and engaging experience for your child. Good luck!