Homework time can easily become fraught and lead to meltdowns and shutdowns. Here are some helpful hints to assist your children in successfully completing their homework:
1. SPACE: Create a Focused Work Environment
A dedicated, quiet space is key for concentration, but this doesn’t always mean working alone.
- Establish a Quiet Area: Set up a designated work area and make sure all necessary supplies (paper, pencils, stapler, etc.) are readily available
- Consider a “Family” Work Area: Since working alone can be isolating, a family work area is a great alternative; just be sure to set clear rules to encourage good work habits
- Adult Availability: A parent or other adult should be nearby to answer questions and help children refocus when necessary
- Model Behavior: Use homework time to catch up on your own tasks (like writing or paying bills); in doing so, model on-task behavior for your children
2. TIME: Set a Predictable Routine
Homework should be a top priority and happen on a set schedule.
- Routine is Essential: Homework time needs to be set in a routine, predictable manner
- Get the Time Estimate: Ask the teacher to estimate the amount of time that should be set aside for homework
- Reserve the Time: If possible, reserve the exact same time each day for homework
- Use Appointments for Busy Schedules: If your daily commitments vary, set homework “appointments” each week and write them down on a calendar
- Schedule Breaks (If Needed): Determine if your child works best in one session or needs breaks; if breaks help, schedule time-limited rests (5-10 minutes) into the regular work routine
- Short movement breaks: stretching, walking, or getting a drink of water can help students refocus, especially after tasks that require sustained attention
3. ORGANIZATION: Keep It Simple and Managed
Help your child manage their assignments and materials so they aren’t overwhelmed.
- Verify Instructions: Have your child explain the homework instructions to you to ensure they understand what they need to do
- Encourage Ownership: Encourage your child to decide the order in which they will complete each assignment
- Minimize Clutter: Children can feel overwhelmed when too many books and papers are visible; only the materials being actively worked on should be visible
- Pack it Up: Make sure all completed work is placed immediately into the child’s backpack, ready for the next school day
4. HOMEWORK HELP: Know Your Role
Your primary function is to support, not to re-teach.
- Be Available to Clarify: Parents should be available to clarify directions or help with specific problems
- Practice, Not Learning: The main purpose of homework is to practice skills already learned in the classroom
- Communicate Confusion: If you discover that your child truly does not understand the work, inform the teacher so the lesson can be taught again in school
- Your Role: Your essential role is to encourage, supervise, and reinforce good study habits
- Additional Help: If further school instruction and your on efforts aren’t enough, consider a tutor who specializes in the trouble areas for your children
5. LIMIT DISTRACTIONS
Children benefit from increasing their focus stamina.
- Minimize noise, screens, and interruptions during homework time
- Turn off TVs, silence phones, and keep the work area free from unrelated toys or devices
- A distraction-free environment helps students stay focused and complete work more efficiently
6. POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT: Remember to Encourage and Praise
You are your children’s biggest supporter and cheerleader for their success!
- Celebrate effort, not perfection
- Acknowledge hard work, persistence, and improvement
- Positive reinforcement builds confidence and helps children feel more motivated to tackle challenging assignments
Follow these simple tips and you’ll see and experience how a direct and deliberate, organized approach to homework can lead to academic success and household happiness.