During grade school, kids start getting homework for the first
time to reinforce and extend classroom learning and help
them practice important study skills.
By doing homework, kids learn how to:
- read and follow directions independently
- manage and budget time (for long-term assignments like book
reports)
- complete work neatly and to the best of their ability
It also helps them develop a sense of responsibility, pride in a
job well done, and a work ethic that will benefit them well beyond
the classroom.
Parents can give kids lots of homework help, primarily by making
homework a priority and helping them develop good study
habits.
Setting Up Shop
The kitchen or dining room table is a popular workspace for
younger children; they may feel more comfortable being near you,
and you can provide encouragement and assistance. Older kids might
prefer to retreat to their rooms, but check in periodically and
review the homework when it's completed.
Wherever kids do homework, it's important to make sure their
workspace is:
- well-lit
- comfortable
- stocked with school supplies (pens, pencils, paper, stapler,
calculator, ruler, etc.) and references (dictionary,
thesaurus)
- quiet and free from distractions - TV, video games, phone
calls, or other family members
If kids need a computer for schoolwork, try to set it up in
a common space, not in a bedroom, so you can discourage playing
video games, chatting with or emailing friends, or surfing the
Internet for fun during study time. Also consider
parental controls
, available through your Internet service provider (ISP), and
software that blocks and filters any inappropriate material. Find
out which sites your kids' teachers recommend and bookmark them
for easy access.
A Parent's Supporting Role
When it comes to homework, be there to offer support and
guidance, answer questions, help interpret assignment instructions,
and review the completed work. But resist the urge to provide the
right answers or complete assignments.
Focus on helping kids develop the problem-solving skills
they'll need to get through this assignment and any others, and
offer your encouragement as they do. They'll develop confidence
and a love of learning from doing it themselves.
Here are more tips to help make homework easier for kids:
-
Establish a routine.
Send the message that schoolwork is a top priority with ground
rules like setting a regular time and place each day for homework
to be done. And make it clear that there's no TV, phone
calls, video game-playing, etc., until homework is done and
checked.
-
Strategize for homework sessions.
Teach kids to take stock of how much homework there is and
what it involves so they can create a strategy that fits their
workloads and temperaments. Some kids might want to tackle the
harder assignments first - when mental energy levels are
highest - while others prefer to get the easier tasks
over with. By helping them approach homework with a strategy
when they're young, you'll teach your kids to do
that independently later. Allow them to take a break if needed,
then guide them back to the homework with fresh focus and
energy.
-
Instill organization skills.
No one is born with great
organizational skills
- they're learned and practiced over time. Most kids
first encounter multiple teachers and classrooms in middle
school, when organization becomes a key to succeeding. Teach your
child how to use a calendar or personal planner to help get
organized.
-
Apply school to the "real world."
Talk about how what they're learning now applies outside
the classroom, such as the importance of meeting deadlines -
just like adults in the work world - or how the topics in history
class relate to what's happening in today's news.
Homework Problems
Especially as kids get older, homework can really start to add
up and become harder to manage. These strategies can help:
-
Be there.
You don't have to hover at homework time, but be around in
case you're needed. If your son is frazzled by geometry
problems he's been trying to solve for hours, for instance,
suggest he take a break, maybe by shooting some hoops with you. A
fresh mind may be all he needed, but when it's time to return
to homework, ask how you can help.
-
Be in touch with teachers.
Keep in good contact with the teachers throughout the school year
to stay aware of your child's progress, especially if your
child is struggling. Don't miss parent-teacher conferences
and maintain an ongoing dialogue. Teachers can tell you what
happens in the classroom and how to help your child succeed. You
can also ask to be kept in the loop about quizzes, tests, and
projects.
-
Don't forget the study skills.
Study skills often aren't stressed in schools. When
you're helping your child study for a test, suggest some
effective study strategies, such as using flashcards, or taking
notes and underlining while reading.
-
Encourage kids to reach out.
Most teachers are available for extra help before or after
school, and also might be able to recommend other resources.
So encourage kids to ask for help, if needed, but remember that
in school kids are rewarded for knowing the right answers, and no
one likes to stand out by saying that they don't have them.
Praise your kids for their hard work and effort.
Don't wait for report cards to find out that there are
problems at school. The sooner you intervene, the sooner you can
help your child get back on track.
When Kids Struggle With Homework
Consistent complaints about homework or ongoing struggles with
assignments could indicate a problem.
In some cases, kids simply need to learn and practice better
study habits. Be sure your kids are writing down assignments
correctly and encourage them to keep a daily homework notebook,
which can help both kids and parents know exactly what assignments
are due and when. If a particular assignment is giving your child
more trouble than others, send a note to the teacher pointing out
the difficulties.
But when a kid consistently has a hard time understanding
or completing homework, there may be broader issues, such as
learning disabilities, ADHD, or vision or hearing difficulties that
may be interfering with academic progress.
By reviewing homework with your child and talking to your
child's teacher, you can identify any learning problems and
tackle them early on.
Laying the Foundation
The key to truly helping kids with homework is to know when to
step in. Make sure your kids know that you're available if
there's a snag, but that it's important to work
independently. Encourage effort and determination - not just the
grades they get.
Be a good example by showing your own love of learning. While
your child does homework, do your own - read books, magazines, and
newspapers; write letters, lists, and emails; use math skills to
calculate expenses or balance the checkbook. By showing that
learning remains important - even fun - once school's over,
you'll help your kids understand that building knowledge is
something to enjoy throughout life.
Reviewed by:
Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: September 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2009 The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth. All rights reserved.