Being a huge part of your child’s life involves active participation in all they do, including their homework. In a really busy world like ours, many parents have a lot going on in their lives. And creating the time to get engaged in their child’s homework is hardly ever possible.
But the truth remains that being involved doesn’t necessarily mean sitting with your child and solving that Math problem. You certainly don’t have to feel like your child can’t get their homework done without you.
So, what’s the way out? This post will discuss the following five ideas for helping your child with their homework:
- Develop the habit of asking your son or daughter if they have homework.
- Design a study space for them.
- Create a schedule to accommodate play time as well as homework time.
- Also, check their homework notebook and provide clarity where necessary.
- Finally, be willing to answer any questions your child might have regarding their homework.
5 Ways to Help Your Child with Their Homework
Homework is meant to assess your child’s ability based on lessons already taught or lessons still being taught. When your child comes home with homework, the onus lies on you to ensure that they do it.
Of course, skipping assignments often leads to punishment of some sort. Nonetheless, helping your child with their homework doesn’t mean you have to do it with them. No. That’s not the idea.
The concept of getting involved implies that you pay a significant role in ensuring that your child doesn’t leave their homework undone. In fact, it’s not your duty to tell them the answer to a question. Instead it’s better to allow them reflect on what they’ve already been taught.
When they can recall past examples or lessons, figuring out an answer should be easy. Now, as a parent, what role can you play in your child’s homework?
Helping Your Child Using Brilliant Strategies
Consider the five homework tips below:
Find out if your Child has Homework
Yes, it’s true that you’ve got work deadlines, family pressure, unmet personal goals, and a host of other things to take care of. But this shouldn’t get in the way of you asking your child how their day at school went.
One of your aims should be to find out if they have assignments. Children sometimes get carried away with their siblings, playthings, or even TV programs. But it’s up to you to keep them on track.
Ask your daughter if she has homework. This helps her to pay attention to doing the right thing before getting all engrossed with fun and relaxation.
Design a Homework Area
This doesn’t have to be a big space in your home. All you need is a designated workspace where your child can do their homework and keep all their study materials in place.
Consider this as a form of office for your child. Best part – knowing that he has a study space will help your son develop a sense of responsibility and organization.
Create a Flexible Homework Schedule
Inasmuch as after-school play is important, creating a homework time should also count. As a parent, you can help your children establish a time of the day when they can do their homework and complete any school project.
Some parents prefer that their kids do their homework first thing after school. Others allow lunch and nap before homework. And some others prefer that homework is done just before bedtime.
Whichever you choose, ensure that it’s flexible, achievable, and productive.
Monitor their Homework Notebook
If your child’s school uses a notebook for student’s homework, you might want to monitor your child’s use of the book.
At OPS, for example, children have homework mainly from Monday to Thursday and they have notebooks for them. This allows for organization and effective monitoring. Besides, students get homework which take between 15 and 30 minutes, and they understand clearly what they’re expected to do. Instructions are always clear and useful.
Checking the notebook allows you to track your child’s progress. You can see your son’s flaws and strengths. You can also find out how teachers assess your daughter’s performance.
Staying informed about your child’s homework really boils down to creating the time to go through the notebook
Be Willing to Answer Questions
We’ve established that helping your child with their homework doesn’t mean doing it for them. But you can answer their questions especially when the questions are seeking clarity.
No doubt, struggling students need help with learning and figuring things out. If your child is one, be present and ready to help them find solutions without necessarily telling them what an answer is.
Your Child’s Homework Solution
Now you know what it means to participate in your child’s homework. Remember that helping them with their homework doesn’t mean actually doing the homework for them.
It means playing roles which will help them develop interest and commitment toward doing their assignment. Help your child create a learning atmosphere where doing homework will be both pleasurable and productive.
Do you have any questions about helping with your child’s homework? Give us a call at 08057217340 or 09033088125. Visit our Contact page to send an email or get our school address.