School is in full swing, which means homework loads are getting a bit heavier for some students. Kids are most successful when their parents take an active role in their education. However, parents may find it challenging to help their children with homework, especially more complex subjects.
Teachers don’t design homework to be a burden — it’s quite the opposite. Homework helps students solidify what they learned throughout the day. It also helps them develop crucial studying and thinking skills, along with fostering independence and responsibility. Besides that, it allows students to manage their time better.
Parents and children know that sometimes, homework can cause frustration and take more time than intended. That’s when children cry out to their parents for help. Fortunately, there are a few approaches parents can take to make homework time more manageable.
Here are eight homework help tips for parents.
1. Get to Know the Teachers and Their Expectations
Parents are encouraged to attend events to meet their children’s teachers. Events such as parent-teacher conferences and open houses are perfect opportunities for parents to talk about homework policies and expectations and how they can be involved in their child’s homework routine.
Each teacher will be different with how much homework they give and whether it’s part of the final grade or not. Keeping open communication with the teachers ensures that the students complete the assignments correctly and on time.
2. Set Aside Homework Time
When kids come home from school, they need a structured schedule of evening events. Kids need rest, dinner and playtime, but they also need to set aside time to complete their homework and study. Some kids work best right after school, and others may need more time before starting a task, so they wait until after dinner.
Either way, the scheduled time allows children to expect when they should be doing homework. It keeps a consistent routine, and kids know they have to focus on their tasks during that time.
3. Designate a Quiet Study Space
Kids should have a designated quiet homework and study space, too. They need a well-lit area complete with pens, calculators, highlighters and any other supplies necessary for homework. This space should also be free of distractions like screens, toys, siblings and other kid-specific distractions.
Similar to study time, the study space helps them focus on their homework assignments. Parents should check in on their kids in the study space to ensure that they don’t need any other supplies to complete their homework.
4. Help Kids Make a Plan
Some nights may have more homework than others. Parents can encourage their children to break up the assignment into more manageable chunks on heavier homework nights or if a project or test is coming up soon.
This way, parents aren’t doing the project or the homework assignment but are guiding their children through the process. Having a plan or homework schedule can help the child tackle any task. Ensure the child takes a break every hour, too.
5. Lead by Example
Parents often have “homework,” too. Between bills, creating grocery lists, getting yard work or housework done and reading a book, a parent can lead a great example for setting aside time to complete their tasks.
When a child sees their parents diligently working on something, it can motivate them to go to their homework or study spot and do the same. Kids are more likely to follow their parents’ actions than advice.
6. Motivate and Advise
Parents often have “homework,” too. Between bills, creating grocery lists, getting yard work or housework done and reading a book, a parent can lead a great example for setting aside time to complete their tasks.
When a child sees their parents diligently working on something, it can motivate them to go to their homework or study spot and do the same. Kids are more likely to follow their parents’ actions than advice.
7. Get Extra Help If Needed
If students have trouble completing an assignment or understanding a topic discussed in class, they may need extra help. This is where a tutor can step in either at home or in the classroom after school hours.
Parents should discuss extra help with their children’s teachers. While the student may need the additional support occasionally, if the child requires constant help, it may be another issue like a learning problem, attention disorder or trouble seeing the board.
8. Praise Their Efforts
Finally, parents should praise their children’s efforts when doing homework. Academic achievements can be monumental for children, so their parents should acknowledge it when they’re super focused or aced a test.
School has been tough this past year with the pandemic, and kids are still trying to get used to all of the changes with online and in-person classes. When there’s academic success, celebrate!
Helping with Homework
These homework help tips will be beneficial for parents to keep in their back pocket as their children ask for homework help. With a designated study space, some set aside time and encouragement, and kids will knock out their homework every school night.
