Getting the Most Out of Homework

Advice

Homework time can be very frustrating and exhausting. As parents we want to spend quality family-time with our children and homework time typically doesn’t “make the grade.”

Below are some tips and advice on making homework a smooth and easy-going process, while being beneficial to your children.

1. Environment. Designate a homework area for your child where homework will be done. This area can be a desk in his bedroom, at the kitchen table, a quiet area in the living room, etc. The key to the homework environment is an area that is comfortable, quiet, and away from distractions. Prepare the homework area with the materials he will need to complete an array of assignments, from notebook paper to craft materials. Ensure there is adequate lighting. This designated area will provide the framework for an environment that will reduce poor organizational habits and procrastination and will aid in developing good study habits.

2. Schedule. To eliminate homework being done in a haphazard way, select at time for your child to do her homework. Pick a time that suits your child. Some children do better working on homework directly after school; some children do better to have a break from school, some free-time, before starting their homework. Find what time works for your child and stick to that timeframe.

3. Routine. Establish a routine with your child. Have him do the easiest homework first. This will build his confidence and set the tone for the homework routine. With this routine he will work independently in the beginning and set aside work and questions for parent-involvement during the latter-half.

4. Timing. Identify how much time your child should spend on each portion of their homework. Start off using a timer so she can learn when to move on to the next assignment. This will help her identify areas where she may need additional help from you or a tutor, if needed.
   
   Dr. Harris Cooper at Duke University supports the use of the “10-minute” rule as a guideline for the amount of homework that kids should have. Using this guideline, teachers add 10 minutes of homework for each grade (so that a fourth grader would have no more than 40 minutes of homework).

5. Study Techniques. There are three learning styles: Auditory (hearing), visual (seeing), and Kinesthetic-Tactile (touching). Knowing what learning style works for your child will aid in identifying the right study techniques. Parents, take the time to work with your child to identify what study techniques work for him and teach him different ways to incorporate these habits into his homework routine. Some examples of different study habits include: Reading for information, note-taking, outlining, and drill and memorization.

6. Parent Involvement. Parents, your involvement makes a tremendous difference with your child’s homework success. Be involved. Be readily available to help with her homework and review when she is finished. Know her study habits and routine. Understand the teacher’s homework policy and expectations and ask questions and provide feedback. Give your child support and encouragement. Your regular involvement will alleviate frustration and confusion.

7. Going Solo. If homework is meant to be done by your child alone, stay away. Too much parent involvement can prevent homework from having some positive effects. Homework is a great way for kids to develop independent, lifelong learning skills.

8. Reward. If your child has been successful in homework completion and is working hard, celebrate that success with something special (e.g., pizza, a walk, a trip to the park) to reinforce the positive effort.