A Parent's Homework Helper
School can be tough for any kid but when you factor in the homework that kids get, things get a whole lot tougher. Parents who want to help with their children’s homework may need a bit of help themselves because they may have forgotten a large chunk of what they have learned in school, many years ago. Plus, the present curriculum and teaching methods may have changed since they were in school.
When helping with homework, get the whole family involved in the activity. Not only will it help bond the family but younger children will learn more and older children get the chance to pass on any knowledge they may have from school as well.
Homework may seem like a whole lot of trouble and many parents feel that school should be left at school and that time at home should not be spent doing schoolwork. However, homework is actually vital to a child’s education. It helps kids review and practice what they’ve learned so they don’t forget it. Homework also helps children get ready for the lessons that follow. It allows them to explore subjects more fully than they can in a classroom setting where time constraints exist.
Monitoring a child’s schoolwork is important as well. At the beginning of the school year, it’s a good idea to ask your child’s teacher what type of assignments will be given so you know what to expect. Once a child completes an assignment, look it over and correct anything that may have been done wrong. It helps children learn, giving them the sense that you are supporting them. Also, when the child first begins their homework, make sure that they understand the assignment and help get them going in the right direction.
The best way to help your child learn is to figure out how he or she actually learns best. Some kids do better with – they need to see how things work before they understand it. Others can learn just by hearing someone explain it (auditory learning). There are also kids who do well when different methods are mixed together. Figuring it out will help your child immensely.
You also have to learn how to communicate effectively with the teachers to resolve problems. When it comes to assignments, the first step in communicating with the school is to stay calm. Most teachers are willing to talk to you if your child is having difficulty or the work is just too hard. Many times a note, phone call or an e-mail to the teacher may be sufficient to clarify any misunderstandings. If the child is still having problems, work with the school and request a meeting. Just make sure you are available and involved. By going through this process, the problems will be resolved very quickly.
The key to creating a good homework environment is making sure the space you give your child is calm and relaxed. Kids need a quiet space where they can think and not get distracted by TVs or siblings or anything else. They need a good desk and chair, with proper lighting, as well as materials like paper, pencils and textbooks readily available. It’s also a good idea to set up a schedule so homework is done at the same time every day.
Getting kids motivated can be difficult. If you can make them understand that homework is a stepping stone for something else, it gets a lot easier. A supportive parent and a great environment make kids more eager to do their assignments. Another great motivator is praise – if your child does an assignment, acknowledge the hard work they did. Offer little rewards like as a treat after dinner. Positive reinforcement is the best way to motivate kids to finish up their assignments.
Helping kids with their homework can be hard for parents at first but once they get the hang of it, it’s truly rewarding.