Helpful Homework Tips

Just say the word "homework," and you'll notice almost everyone cringes. We have all had countless hours, at some point, struggling over getting homework done either for ourselves or our children. Then there are teachers who think they are the only class your child is taking, so they pile it on even more.

However, there is actual research which supports the benefit of homework (more on the secondary level than the elementary level) and its positive effect on academic achievement. So what about those homework blues? Well, here are a few tips for teachers, parents and students:

1. Have a comfortable designated area where your child can spread out and actually do their homework.
2. Incorporate homework time as part of your daily routine. For younger children do it after a snack and then a play period later as a motivator. Some do homework while Mom is cooking dinner or after dinner. You choose.
3. Make your child comfortable. If they want to sit in a bean bag chair, have music playing, have a cool drink, or chew gum while doing homework, let them.
4. Follow the 10-minute rule: Researchers have discovered that sometimes people don’t know how much is too much. It's a commonly practiced rule to add 10 minutes of homework for each grade. For example, a first grader would do 10 minutes, a second grader would do 20 minutes, a third grader would do 30 minutes, etc.)

Remember, homework is a time to practice previously learned skills, not to teach new skills. If your child is having trouble with homework, do what you can, and have them get help the next day. Most teachers will work with them.

There's an old saying that applies to anything you want to learn - "practice makes perfect." While perfection is not always the goal, make it your child's homework habit to practice wisely. You’d be amazed what can be accomplished!