Can’t-fail rules for homework happiness
Rule 1: Establish routines in your home and family life: Children who are expected to start their homework at a given time (right after school, before dinner or after dinner), have a dedicated, quiet place to study and who are reinforced positively do better than those with little structure. A visual after-school schedule outlining time for homework, free time, dinner, chores, extra-curricular activities and bedtime can help keep children organized and on track. Homework should be completed before any privileges (such as video games, television or time to talk on the phone) are granted.
Rule 2: Talk so your child will listen: Parent should be proactive instead of reactive and establish clear rules about homework and stick to them so children know the rules and the consequences. Praising specific efforts can help children develop greater motivation to keep trying, even when it's tough. For example, instead of just saying "I'm proud of you," say "You went back to check your work — that extra step was a great idea." Instead of saying "You got an A," say "Those extra practice problems you did really made a difference." Also, use praise in a 2:1 ratio. Start and end with praise, and sandwich a suggestion for improvement in the middle. Other suggestions: Avoid threats, give a warning before consequences and avoid getting overinvolved (allow kids the chance to solve their own conflicts, challenges).
Source: “Homework Made Simple: Tips, Tools, and Solutions for Stress-Free Homework” by Ann K. Dolin, M.Ed.
On good days, homework can connect parents and students. It reinforces lessons taught at school for the student, and it informs parents of what their children are learning at school. On bad days, homework can be a source of frustration, maybe tears, lack of motivation and exasperation for both the parent and child.
Now that the holiday season is past and the focus is back on the daily routine, here are some things parents can do to make homework simple.
How much time, help is really needed for homework?
“Homework is a fine line that most parents have to walk,” said Clint Fisher, school counselor at Parkwood Elementary in Beavercreek. “From a school perspective, we look at a student spending about 10 minutes per his grade in school on homework. So first-grade students should spend about 10 minutes on homework, second grade should spend about 20 minutes and so on and so forth.”
Homework should be a review of classroom lessons, and therefore something the students should be able to complete independently.
“Homework is usually items that students should be able to do on their own with little guidance from parents. New concepts are usually saved for the classroom setting,” Fisher said.
By explaining to their parents any important information regarding the homework, students will remember their teachers’ expectations, said Dianne Smith, first-grade teacher at Parkwood Elementary.
Homework routines are a must
Smith also advises parents to establish homework routines for their child.
“Children should have a clear-cut understanding of the routine. They should come home and unpack their bookbag. They should finish homework independently,” Smith said.
Fisher recommends sticking to the homework routine even if there is no assignment.
“Set a timer for the proper amount of time. Each evening, the student spends that amount of time on homework. Whether they have homework or not, they are at the kitchen table until the timer goes off. They could use this time to silent read, free write or practice math facts. This creates consistency.” Fisher said. “If students know that no matter what, they will not be able to watch more TV, or play more video games, chances are homework will be completed.”
Rachel Rudman, a pediatric occupational therapist and creator of Grasshopper Preschool Press Kits (play-centered lessons for children ages 3-5), recommends parents and children work together to establish a homework location and time. She advises parents to alter their expectations, allow two-minute movement breaks and offer non-material rewards such as choosing what’s for dinner, and to chart their children’s accomplishments.
Kirk Martin, founder of Celebrate Calm, LLC — which aims to help intense and special needs children learn — suggests making homework fun and active.
“Review spelling, vocabulary and facts while jumping on a trampoline, playing catch or jumping rope. Allow kids to listen to music, rock in a rocking chair, eat a snack or swing on swings,” Martin said. “Make it fun. Put a blanket over the table and create a fort. Let your kids do homework with a flashlight under the table. Do homework in different parts of the house — math in the basement, science in the bathroom, vocabulary outside. Mix it up.”
What to do if struggles persist
Even with the best routines, homework can still be difficult for some children and can be a sign of an even greater problem.
“If a student has trouble focusing, a timer should be used. An unwanted consequence may follow if the child is still unable to complete the required assignment,” Smith said. “But, if the child is struggling, a conference must be requested by the parent to ensure all experiences are as positive as possible with completion of homework. Above and beyond, the child must be held accountable.”
Fisher recommends focusing on the concept of the homework when the assignment is too challenging.
“Make up other problems that have nothing to do with the homework to help strengthen the basic understanding of the concept being worked on,” Fisher said. “If this approach is still not working, my suggestion would be to work with the teacher and together form a plan. Often teachers want to work with parents to teach responsibility through homework completion.”
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