10 Ideas For Helping Your Child With Homework
1. Set a specific time and place in which homework will be done on a consistent basis.
If the time of day that you've been trying to do homework hasn't been working, try to switch things up.
- Some students prefer to do their homework as soon as they get home from school. They're still in learning mode and are ready to tackle it and get it done.
- Some families find it best to go home after school, have a snack break, and squeeze in a little play time before attempting the homework.
- And other students are mentally exhausted after school, and they need a *long* break before attempting to do their homework. In some cases, families have found it helpful to even wait until the next morning to help their student with their homework. This typically works best for families who are early risers and have ample time to tackle homework in the mornings.
2. Help your child set a realistic homework goal that is appropriate for their level.
Examples:
A) I will complete my homework every day for one week.
B) I will finish my homework in less than 15 minutes.
C) I will read out loud to my parents each night.
3. Set up a motivational reward system at home that will help your child reach their goal.
Examples:
A) Go on a date night with a parent.
B) Choose a prize from the treasure box.
C) Special privileges or time with friends.
4. Be consistent and firm with goals, rewards, and consequences.
5. Don't get frustrated!! Give your child choices that meet your needs as well as theirs:
Example: "You can choose to finish your homework now and earn that reward we talked about or you can choose to finish it later (instead of playing video games). You choose." This allows your student to own the problem.
Example: "You can choose to finish your homework now and earn that reward we talked about or you can choose to finish it later (instead of playing video games). You choose." This allows your student to own the problem.
6. Use a timer and encourage your child to see if they can get 5 problems done in 5 minutes.
Repeat until finished.
7. PLEASE insist that your child try to do their homework independently first! Provide them with the support that they need, but don't overdo it (or do the work for them). Working independently at home will help them work independently during class time and especially during tests. When they have finished, please check for accuracy and neatness, then reteach where necessary.
8. If your child has spent 15 minutes doing their homework and they have put forth their best effort, you may give them the option of stopping there and finishing before school or during recess. If you will email me (or text me) a quick note explaining this, I will give them credit for 100% homework. However, they will still be held accountable for the work and will need to find a way to finish it.
9. If you are not able to help your child with a particular concept, please email me. Be sure to let me know so I can help them!
10. Focus on the positive with your child. Encourage them by praising their progress regularly.
Thanks for having a desire to help your child succeed. I appreciate the support you give at home.