Lifestyle
10 homework tips to help your child ace the first term
No parent wants to spend hours hunched over a desk with their child! Here are some tips on how you can help your kids be more successful in school by giving them the tools they need to study and get the job done.
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- Know the teachers and what they’re looking for: Attend school events like as parent-teacher conferences to meet your child’s teachers. Ask about their homework policies and how you should be involved.
- Set up a homework-friendly area:Â Make sure kids have a well-lit place to complete homework. Keep supplies (paper, pencils, glue and scissors) within reach.
- Schedule regular study time:Â Some kids work best in the afternoon, following a snack and play period. Others prefer to wait until after dinner.
- Help them make a plan: On heavy homework nights or when there’s an especially hefty assignment to tackle, encourage your child to break up the work into manageable chunks. Create a work schedule for the night if necessary and take time for a 15-minute break every hour, if possible.
- Keep distractions to a minimum:Â This means no TV, loud music or phone calls. (Occasionally, though, a phone call to a classmate about an assignment can be helpful.)
- Make sure kids do their own work: They won’t learn if they don’t think for themselves and make their own mistakes. Parents can make suggestions and help with directions, but it’s a kid’s job to do the learning.
- Be a motivator and monitor:Â Ask about assignments, quizzes and tests. Give encouragement, check completed homework and make yourself available for questions and concerns.
- Set a good example: Do your kids ever see you diligently balancing your budget or reading a book? Kids are more likely to follow their parents’ examples than their advice.
- Praise their work and efforts:Â Post a great test result or art project on the refrigerator. Mention academic achievements to relatives.
- If there are continuing problems with homework, get help: Talk about it with your child’s teacher. Some kids have trouble seeing the board and may need glasses – others might need an evaluation for a learning problem or attention disorder.
Source: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/homework.html