Homework time is not always fun. There’s a lot of tussle and friction as parents ensure their kids complete their homework. There’s still an ongoing debate in the educational world on the value and significance of homework. Some studies have shown a lack of relationship between homework and positive grades in school. In the era of the coronavirus pandemic, this discussion is even more complex.
Everyone is at home, most schools are closed, and others are using videoconferencing platforms to teach. According to the EEAS, more than 897 million children globally are facing disruptions to their education due to school closures. The interruption in most school routines is making it difficult for students to settle down and concentrate on their homework. As per the Ministry of Education’s direction, the school term is set to resume in 2 weeks. It’s the right time to learn a few tips on how to get your kids to finish their homework and get the most out of it.
Kids are going to benefit from the perks of doing their homework and be more successful in school if parents take an active role and interest in their homework. It’s a gesture that shows them that what they are doing is beneficial and significant. However, active participation doesn’t mean spending hours cowering over your kids’ desks. You can be supportive by demonstrating study and organization skills, explaining a complex problem, or just encouraging them to take a short break. Here are four ways to get your kids to finish homework.
Set up a homework-friendly area
It’s paramount that you establish a designated area in the house for homework. It can range from a specific corner in a room to a fully dedicated room in the house. The objective is to ensure that the kids know that playtime and jokes are not allowed in the homework zone. Make sure that the area is well-lit and keep supplies such as papers, pencils, scissors, and glue within reach.
Schedule a regular study time
By now, you should have an idea of the best time for your kids to do their homework. If this has not happened, it’s not late too late to work with your kids to come up with their preferred time. Some work best in the afternoon after a snack and few minutes of playtime. Others prefer to wait until after dinner. Whichever the time, schedule it and create a routine around it.
Mother helping a kid with homework on a laptop.
Keep distractions to a minimum.
It takes an average of one to two hours for your children to complete their homework. That’s not a long time to maintain silence. Minimum distractions mean no TV, phone calls, loud music, or loud conversations. Your kids will be able to concentrate on their work and not have to listen to your evening gossip or try to see what you’re watching on the TV. Minimal distractions also mean that they don’t spend too much time doing their homework. Occasional calls to a classmate to inquire about an assignment are helpful and should be allowed.
Be a motivator
Here’s the perfect opportunity to be your kids’ cheerleader. Join in on the homework ‘fun’ and make yourself available for questions, comments, and concerns. Ask about what they learned at school and about the assignments, tests, and quizzes. Offer encouragement, congratulate them on solving problems by themselves. Check their completed assignments and help them identify mistakes or errors. It’s a clear indication of your support for their education, and the kids feel motivated to continue working hard on their assignments. After homework, lighten up the mood with a few educational games on Tizi. They’ll learn and have fun all at the same time.
Create breaks for them every few minutes
Kids have a low concentration and attention span. After scheduling the homework time for an hour (for example), let them study for eight minutes, then break for two minutes. This way there’s a section of working and breaking, walking around every 10 minutes. This also helps them look away from the screen (especially in this time that some might be studying digitally).
