The Homework Helper

Great minds think alike! As I discuss the subject of homework with my colleague (and fellow blogger) Tobi Isaacs, she references Dr. Harris Cooper’s work on this topic in her recent blog. It's entitled Homework: Too Much, Too Little or Just Right. Here, she reviews Dr. Cooper’s recommendations on the 10-minute rule: About 10 minutes of homework per day, per grade level. For example, a first grader would do 10 minutes of homework, a second grader would do 20 minutes and so on, up to a maximum of 2 hours for high-school students. In moderation homework is beneficial and boost achievement, but too much can actually cause lower grades and test scores. You can read more about Dr. Cooper’s research and other suggested references here and/or check out his popular book on the subject: The Battle Over Homework: Common Ground for Administrators Teachers...  

In the meantime, if you struggle with the amount of homework time with your child, try switching up the schedule. Instead of having him/her do homework immediately upon arriving home, allow 20 to 30 minutes of outdoor play and/or a structured movement activity. Swinging, jumping on a full or mini trampoline, playing ball, riding a bike and other physical activities are great ways to incorporate vestibular (movement) input which helps kids get the “wiggles” out from school and helps the brain to organize (See children’s physical activity specialist Rae Pica’s article on More Movement, Smarter Kids). If your child has trouble calming down after the activities, allow a transition time (5 to 10 minutes with a timer, if needed) and use transition tools like music, cool juice or water that's sipped via a straw or a heavy-work activity like carrying books to the table. Try this routine for 2 to 3 weeks and see if your child does better with starting and completing homework assignments. Please join us on our peace mission to end the "homework wars" by sharing your tips with us!