10 homework tips to help your child ace the first term

1. 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.
2. Set up a homework-friendly area: Make sure kids have a well-lit place to complete homework. Keep supplies (paper, pencils, glue and scissors) within reach.
3. Schedule regular study time: Some kids work best in the afternoon, following a snack and play period. Others prefer to wait until after dinner.
4. 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.
5. Keep distractions to a minimum: This means no TV, loud music or phone calls. (Occasionally, though, a phone call to a classmate about an assignment can be helpful.)
6. 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.
7. Be a motivator and monitor: Ask about assignments, quizzes and tests. Give encouragement, check completed homework and make yourself available for questions and concerns.
8. 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.
9. Praise their work and efforts: Post a great test result or art project on the refrigerator. Mention academic achievements to relatives.
10. 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