Homework can be interesting with a little help
Homework is inevitable, but it is enough to drive your kids up the wall. When your kids are just starting school, it becomes challenging for them to cope with the sheer volume of homework. In most cases, getting your kids to complete the assignments on time becomes a battle of wills. As a parent, you can attest to the hardships and frustrations that accompany providing homework answers help to your kid.
Do you ever get complaints from your kid regarding the endless hours of homework? Well, if you are living in the United States, then your kids probably have to endure 6.1 hours of work as a 15-year-old. On the other hand, students residing in Italy need to devote most hours of work followed by Ireland. In contrast, students belonging to Asian countries complain the least about their homework.
Moreover, with the onset of the global pandemic and the introduction of online classes, students feel it is more challenging to do homework in an online setting. One third of the students think that assignment is more difficult during virtual sessions than it was previously. While some educators question the value of homework, others believe that it enhances the students’ planning and competing skills.
Regardless of the beliefs and the changes in the education system, homework is here to stay, at least for a long time now. So if you are a parent helping your children out with homework, here are 7 tips to make the process seamless.
8 Effective Ways How parents Can Help Their Child With Homework
-
Set Up The Right Environment
Making the process of providing homework answers help seamlessly begins by assigning a place of interest to your kid. Young children often find the kitchen or dining area to be the most appropriate place as they always want to be near you. However, for older kids, it is best to create a study space. The setting of the homework space plays a significant role in intriguing and motivating the students to complete their homework on time. Follow these tips to set up the right environment for your kid:
- Use a distraction-free place away from TVs, mobile phones, laptops, PCs, gaming consoles etc.
- Provide remote access to technology and materials required to complete the homework.
- Make sure the workspace is well-lit, comfortable and stocked up with school supplies.
-
Establish A Routine
Once the place is set up, you need to establish a working schedule for your kids. Most kids are adamant while studying. Therefore, you need to send across a message that completing assignments on time is the top priority. Set ground rules and make them adhere to them strictly. You can also introduce rewards for the successful completion of the tasks. Here are some ways by which you can establish a routine:
- Make a list of all the homework that needs to be completed and set time limits against it.
- Set small and achievable goals for your kids.
- Decide the time they need to sit for the task and constantly monitor their progress.
-
Strategize Your Sessions
Teach your kids strategies about how they can tackle excessive workloads. Boost their problem-solving skills so that they can keep their foul temper in check. Providing homework help for question and answer will allow your kids to maintain their mental sanity. As a result, they will not experience burnout and will be able to face challenges better. However, during your sessions, encourage them to take on tasks independently to not rely on you too much. Here are some strategies that you can teach your child to tackle homework better:
- Teach them time management skills to focus and concentrate on the task at hand.
- Ask them to create colour-coded notes to retain information effectively.
- Enable them to use checklists and cross off a task once it is completed.
-
Instill Organizational Skills
You cannot expect kids to be organized. They are messy and prefer staying that way. However, you will have to teach them the drawbacks of not being organized. Allow them to understand that when their supplies or resource materials are scattered all over the house, they tend to lose time finding them. Being organized will allow them to compensate this time into completing their homework. These skills can only be inculcated through practice. So here are some ways you can teach your kids:
- Ask your kids to categorize their school supplies based on their daily requirements.
- Teach them how to use a personal planner or organizational calendar.
- Encourage them to keep the things back in place once they are done using them.
-
Talk About Real World
Talking about homework all the time can be tedious. Therefore, share some exciting stories in between to rejuvenate their senses. Allow them to take breaks to watch their favourite cartoon or play their favourite game. However, monitor the time as this can backfire on you. Allow them to understand the importance of doing homework and achieving good grades. Relate the topics to real-life situations to help them know better. Here is how you can connect school to the real world:
- Connect the topics to their favourite TV show and tell a story.
- Be creative during their playtime and ask them to make fun things, like monuments from their history project.
- Take them out to get them acquainted with different things relevant to their studies like a park fortress, zoo for animals etc.
-
Be in Touch With the Teachers
Being in touch with the teachers will allow you to be aware of your kid’s progress. You will be able to know what are areas your child is struggling in what they are really good at. So, when the next time your kid comes up to you asking, “Can you do my homework question?” you have a better idea of how to help them. Since your child spends most of their time in school, contacting the teachers is the best way to track behavioural changes, mood swings, interest levels etc. by this, you will also be able to assess the school’s environment. Here are some ways you can stay connected with the teachers:
- Attend all the parent-teacher conferences and ask specific questions related to your kid’s progress.
- Ask for occasional feedback on classroom performances and participation.
- Call or mail them if possible and ask for progress reports on class tests, assignment submissions, quizzes, projects etc.
-
Encourage And Motivate
The final tip is to encourage and motivate. Academic life is full of learning with glimpses of fun and enjoyment. Encourage your child to speak up about their problems and reach out for help when required. Motivate them to achieve success in their life. Praise your kids and use positive affirmations to recognize their effort and hard work. Follow these tips to motivate them throughput:
- Give them a clear idea about their learning objectives.
- Allow them to be in control in terms of choosing their assignments for the day.
- Offer constructive criticism and provide rewards after the accomplishment of each milestone.
Parting Thoughts
The essence of helping your kids with homework is understanding when to intervene. Sometimes all you have to do is be there just to assure them that you have got their back. Most kids will automatically show you their discomfort, but others are too shy to express it. Just read their behaviour and encourage determination and effort.