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Posts Tagged ‘homework’

by Dinorah Blackman

Homework is a fact of life. If you have school-age children, you’ve probably found yourself doing math problems of helping with English essays. But parenting does not necessarily mean that you’re stuck doing homework again. Although it is your duty to make sure your kids fulfil all their academic tasks, it’s also your duty to instruct them on how to do it themselves; while you fade into the background as a supervisor. So don’t get frustrated by all the cutting, researching, and solving; teach your children these simple steps.

1. Take a few minutes to relax. Although traditionally parents demand that the kids start working on their homework as soon as they get home, I have found that it’s not always the best alternative. School can be as stressful as a full time, demanding job, and like you, your child needs to relax before tackling the assignments. Just a few minutes will do; enough to eat, change clothes, and get organized.

2. Pick a good place. An adequate place is one with few distractions, great lighting and comfort. Make sure the temperature is comfortable; there is an appropriate chair and desk or comfy rugs and/or pillows. Access to a computer and printer are also necessary. Also, avoid changing places after you’ve found one that works.

3. Get your materials ready. In order to keep from having to get up every few minutes to fetch one thing or the other, make sure the chosen study spot has a decent supply of everything like pencils, pens, crayons, markers, erasers, sharpeners, ruled paper, white paper, calculator, etc. I always suggest to students that it might be a good idea to also have a snack readily at hand (something that won’t make a mess, though), that way you won’t have to interrupt your work because you have the munchies. Be sure to have all books, notebooks and other documents with you before you begin.

4. Keep an agenda or homework guide. Relying on your memory might not always be a good idea. Make sure you have a specific place to write down all your upcoming assignments. It will save you a lot of trouble, time and unnecessary phone calls.

5. Take a break. Few children are able to concentrate on homework for hours at a time. Usually a short 10 minute break between assignments can be relaxing and invigorating.

Overall, teach your kids to take advantage of their study time by making it a calm, stress-free experience. Your goal is to help them become independent and responsible students.

Dinorah Blackman-Williams has been a teacher for 16 years. She lives in Panama with her husband and preschooler Imani. Dinorah is currently working on her second book. Her first book can be previewed and purchased at http://www.lulu.com/blackman

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by Carol Boles

Homework! Every child has it, so there’s no getting around it. Try these tips when dealing with this after school ritual.

Recess First:

Children spend the entire day in a structured environment. Why not let them relax once they get home. Allow them to lay on the floor in front of the television for a time with a snack or play outside with their friends. After this recess from school their minds will be clearer and more receptive toward tackling homework.

A Comfortable Place:

Let your children discover what works best for them when completing homework. Most parents don’t allow their children to watch television, or they expect them to sit at table or desk. Classrooms have constant interruptions therefore, children learn to tune out noise. If your child can complete his homework assignments laying in front of the television or listening to music then why worry about it. Of course, if the music or television interferes then turn it OFF!

Make a Time for Homework:

Kids today are involved in sports, music lessons and other activities. Make sure their schedules aren’t overloaded after school. The general rule for homework is: first grade 10 minutes, second grade 20 minutes, third grade 30 minutes, and so on. The amount of homework your child receives should be commensurate to their grade grade level. If your child is having difficulty with homework then they’re probably having trouble at school as well.

Help Them Become Independent:

Many times young children come home excited with homework and are eager to get started. You want them become independent learners – encourage their enthusiasm. Leave them alone and don’t interfere, even if they’re completing an assignment wrong. They’ll figure this out later and know when to ask for help. On the other hand, if you know your child usually has homework and fails to get started, help them get organized and started. Provide a choice of times and places for them to do homework.

Avoid Punishment:

Disciplining your child for not completing homework usually doesn’t work. Creating a reward system is usually more effective. Realize that many kids see homework as a waste of time – busy work, especially if it’s too easy. Other reason could be: its too difficult, there are problems at school with the teacher or other students. Find out why and go from there there.

Parents are their childrens’ first teachers. They can send the message that school is important, when they help with homework.

Carol Fraser Boles has a Master’s degree in Special Reading and an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She has more than ten years experience teaching K-12 reading in public schools. She now manages her own business and is a member of the Lieurance Group, a freelance writer’s cooperative. Find out more about her writing services at http://www.lieurancegroup.com. For more tips on education and parenting visit her blog at http://www.teacherspetplace.blogspot.com or email her at Cwrites-56@hotmail.com

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