Make homework less painful
Is ‘homework’ a dreaded word in your house? We asked parents, teachers and children for tips on making this necessary part of life more bearable.
Lots of parents secretly admit to having the same feelings of dread and resistance towards their children’s homework as their kids do. There are so many distractions – computer games, round-the-clock TV, ANYTHING other than homework, to be honest. So what savvy tactics can we find to combat resistance – our own as well as our kids’?
Tips for taking the hard work out of homework
• Put the TV on a timer switch. After one hour it switches off – then it’s homework time.
• Try coinciding snack time with homework – that way they are lured to the table.
• For younger children, let them have fun with homework as teachers only expect them to go over work they are doing at school as a refresher. If they are reading or spelling words let them do it in funny voices, or let them colour in their homework or use coloured pens rather than boring old pencil.
• For older children who have more work, show them that you sympathise with their load. Set aside a specific time in the evening or weekend and reassure them that you’re not going to pile on too many chores as soon as it’s done – cut them some slack.
• If you find it hard to get the kids off the computer and in front of their books, hide the mouse and keyboard while they are at school – that will make them get their work done quickly once they’re home.
Great homework websites
Sky Learning- Helps GCSE and A Level students find Sky TV programmes relevant to their subjects.
CBBC- Click on ‘Bitesize’ (bottom left hand corner of homepage) for homework help.
Homework Elephant- Tons of homework help.
SUPER SAVVY TIP: A teacher’s homework tip
Some children do the bare minimum they can get away with. Others overdo it and spend all evening. Know your child – and help then find a balance. If they have several subjects in one evening, spend 20 minutes on each. Teachers like to see SOME work even if it’s not finished.