The issue of homework can stir up lengthy conversations among parents of children at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Discussions are about assignments that are too numerous, too long, too brief, too confusing, too easy, etc.
Here are helpful stress-free tips to consider when guiding children to complete homework assignments:
• Observe how your child gets the most work done – Does he/she need a completely silent environment? Need music through headphones or playing in the background?
• Provide an optimum work environment where your child will produce the most high-quality work – keep in mind this can differ for children from the same family.
• Encourage your child to complete the most difficult work first – his/her mind will still be crisp and more alert to deal with challenging concepts, etc.
• Make sure your child has all needed supplies and materials -- make periodic checks to be sure these items don’t need to be replaced. The younger the child the more frequent the need for replacements...
• Encourage your child to eat a light snack before starting homework; then, set a timeframe based on the start time and expected finish time – include 5-minute breaks between assignments. This helps with time management. In general, the “10-minute homework rule” still applies in many cases: multiply your child’s grade-level by the number 10 to help determine how many minutes he/she should spend on nightly homework (this doesn’t include time spent on projects, etc.).
• Remain positive about homework assignments even if the directions are unclear to you and your child.
• Encourage your child to make his/her best attempt, but stop him/her if the assignment causes frustration or feelings of failure. You can then write a short note on the homework page to the teacher requesting clarity about the assignment expectations – this helps the teacher know what your child understands and what he/she might need to have re-taught. Older children can e-mail teachers on their own to ask for clarity.
Encourage your child to come to you when clarification or help is needed. If and when a request for help is made, be sure to guide your child to figure out the answer on his/her own and avoid simply providing answers. Giving your child the opportunity to feel successful about completing homework on his/her own also serves as a good self-esteem and confidence booster.
Photo: Copyright PhotoXpress.com
Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc. This 23-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog. View Sharon's other published works at http://www.examiner.com/.
Contact Sharon directly for more information: sharonbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org
"Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)
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