Homework - Top Tips for Parents
- Know the teachers — and what they're looking for. Attend school events, such as parent-teacher conferences, to meet your child's teachers. Ask about their homework expectations and how you should be involved.
- Set up a homework-friendly area. Make sure children have a well-lit place to complete homework. Keep supplies — paper, pencils, glue, scissors — within reach.
- Schedule a regular study time. Some children work best in the afternoon, following a snack and play period; others may prefer to wait until after dinner.
- Help them make a plan. Don’t let homework build up – keep on top of it and encourage your child to break up home work into manageable chunks. Create a timetable for the week — allow children to have a brain break when needed.
- Keep distractions to a minimum. This means no TV, loud music, or phone calls. (Occasionally, though, a phone call to a classmate about their work can be helpful!)
- Make sure children do their own work. They won't learn if they don't think for themselves and make their own mistakes. Parents can make suggestions and help with directions. But it's a child's job to do the learning.
- Be a motivator and monitor. Ask about assignments, quizzes, and tests. Give encouragement, check completed homework, and make yourself available for questions and concerns.
- Set a good example. Do your children ever see you making time to balance your budget, read a book, follow a recipe or work out instructions? They are more likely to follow their parents' examples than their advice.
- Praise their work and efforts. Post really good examples of work or achievement certificates on the refrigerator. Mention academic achievements to relatives and share their successes on Twitter.
- If there are any problems with homework, get help. Talk about it with your child's teacher. Agree a time limit or adaptations for your child if necessary with the teacher.
- Be interested. Be excited about the homework and have fun together learning. Don’t get stressed or get into a battle. It is the child’s responsibility not yours!
