It’s that time of the night. The homework demons rise to, yet again, disrupt your once peaceful household. The huffing and puffing … the whining and crying … the stomping and screaming … and let’s not even mention how your child feels! At one point or another, homework will be the bane of every family’s existence. So, is there any hope to elude these evil scholastic spirits?
The main component in creating and supporting healthy homework habits for your child is to establish a nightly routine. This includes both study time and study space. Best-fit homework practices are contingent upon your child’s academic strengths and weaknesses and the chemistry of your family. Some children are most productive in the early afternoon, working in a quiet, secluded area of the home. Others remain focused and inspired after dinnertime working alongside their siblings. The when and where will vary for each child and each family, so it’s important to heavily consider the particulars. Openly discussing and agreeing upon study time and study space is essential. Your child needs to feel empowered and responsible for his/her academics. As well, jointly instituting a consistent schedule establishes clear and fair expectations for your child.
Every study space should be equipped with educational essentials: pencils, erasers, highlighters, lined paper, post-it notes, a calculator, a ruler, and a dictionary. Once this study space is stocked, encourage your child to personalize it. Outfitting a chair with a vibrant cushion or color-coordinating notebooks and folders is a great way for your child to express himself/herself. As well, maintaining ownership of his/her study space will motivate your child to spend time in it.
A nightly homework schedule is highly recommended, especially for the lower school learner. Each evening, you and your child should review the homework assigned and determine a “plan of attack.” Regular recognition of your child’s academic responsibilities emphasizes the significance of schoolwork and keeps you in the know.
Academic achievement is not an incentive, in and of itself, for all children; therefore, establishing a rewards system for productivity and positivity during homework completion can motivate children and ease their and (let’s be honest) your “nightly woes.” Rewards can range from a variety of simple activities, including: watching 30 minutes of television together before bedtime or holding a family game night following dinner. Setting achievable goals with positive incentives can truly motivate your child to work diligently.
While the above strategies are intended to assist in creating and supporting healthy homework habits, your child is likely to face occasional obstacles. Below are additional suggestions when faced with these scholastic struggles:
The Sidetracked Scholar: For a child who is easily distracted or struggles with hyperactivity, schedule small breaks following the completion of an assignment. Allow him/her to choose the unwinding activity, but do not let his/her break extend beyond 15 minutes.
The Scattered Scholar: For a child who requires additional executive functioning support, award long standing privileges that build over time. For example, if he/she records homework assignments and remembers homework materials for one week, present him/her with a reward (e.g. dinner at the family’s favorite restaurant or a new outdoor toy).
The Stalling Scholar: For a child who avoids homework, build additional choices into his/her nightly routine. Allow him/her to select which assignment will be completed first, and, if conducive to productivity, permit him/her to read novels on a comfy couch or listen to music during less strenuous tasks.
The recommendations provided for creating and supporting healthy homework habits are not a guarantee for everlasting success; however, these strategies promote a structured routine, clarify expectations, and positively encourage diligence. Whether you employ all of the strategies mentioned or choose two of the most appealing, be sure to take into consideration what works best for your child and your family. A household haunted by homework is one all families should avoid!
