The goal of homework is to help students remember and understand what they learned in school that day or week. For children ages 5 to 7, it can also help teach them independence and responsibility, as well as time-management and planning skills — all keys to success in the real world.
But during those busy weeknights or weekends, frustrations can often flare up. Below you’ll find eight tips from 2023-2024 Scholastic Teacher Fellows Tim Wheeler and BreAnn Fennell. Each tip is designed to help you and your child develop healthy homework habits for more successful school days (and stress-free nights) ahead!
1. Set the Stage
Your child needs a quiet, well-lit, clutter- and distraction-free spot to do their homework. This should be the same place every day, whether it’s the kitchen table or a desk in their room. Make sure all the materials your child needs to complete their homework are within arm’s reach, including pencils, paper, crayons, or anything else.
2. Time It Right
Decide with your child the best time to tackle homework. For some children, it’s best to complete assignments right after school, while the information is still fresh in their minds and they have ample energy. (An after-school schedule provides structure your child can stick to.)
If you choose to schedule extracurriculars first, keep in mind that children may be too tired after these activities to focus on schoolwork. Bedtime is never the time to rush through homework.
3. Plan to Be Nearby
Parents should be involved in their child’s homework, both to see what they’re learning and to gauge how well they’re absorbing concepts. Being nearby while your child does their homework also allows you to monitor any frustration they feel — and encourage breaks when needed. But this doesn’t mean you will do their homework for them. You want them to get that feeling of pride and accomplishment on their own.
4. Get Excited and Be Positive
As your child’s role model, if you view homework as a chore or something that interferes with your personal schedule, your child will mimic that behavior. Let your child know how grown-up it is for them to have homework and how proud they should be of their hard work. Try to instill in them that it is “fun” to be able to do the assigned tasks. Let them show you their work and praise them for finishing homework. Be encouraging — it will make a difference.
5. Keep an Eye on the Clock
If you end up in a battle of wills with your child, the teacher may not be able to help. But if the work is taking a very long time, check in with the teacher. It would be unusual for a lower elementary teacher to give hours of homework and it may point to missing skills or prior knowledge.
6. Read, Read, Read
Reading is the most important homework for early learning! If reading frustrates your child, read it with them first and then have them read it to you. If reading homework doesn’t come home from the teacher, go to the local library and check out books that are interesting to your child. Reading before bed can be relaxing and a great bonding moment with your child.
7. Reach Out for Help
Stuck? YouTube can be your friend. You may be able to find a resource online that’s applicable by searching or you may need to reach out to the teacher for more support.
8. Remember: Homework Is for Reinforcing
Keep in mind that things like forming letters or solving math problems are essential skills; extra practice of the correct solutions is helpful. However, teachers, parents, and students would agree that repetitive practice of incorrect solutions is counterproductive. The homework does not have to be perfect (mistakes can help us learn), but if the skill is missing entirely, this teacher would rather a student not keep practicing it incorrectly.
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