Brighter Futures - March 2020 - Kip McGrath Hunter

Homework

As children settle back into their school routine, I would like to talk about homework. I can hear the collective groan of dread from all children and parents everywhere. Homework is not liked by many. The main reason for this may be that it is too hard. Something is taught at school, which a student may not fully understand, then they are required to do extra work on it at home by themselves. The teaching then falls on the shoulders of parents. Understandably, you may not know how to help. Even if you do, most, if not all children, do not want to listen to their parents teaching them at home.

So, how can we help change this situation?

Christine Hawkins
Owner KMEC Hunter

Yes, one solution is to send them to us, but Kip McGrath is not a place for children to do their homework. To catch them back up to their classmates we need to focus mainly on filling their knowledge gaps. However, if the homework is on one concept, for example division, we can teach them how to do a few and they can finish the rest at home.

If homework is consistently too hard, I would definitely speak to your child’s teacher and discuss a solution. Fighting over homework is no good for anyone. It will only be beneficial to do, if the homework is something the child understands.

Creating a homework routine may also help. Pick the time and the place that works best for your family and agree on this together. Make the sessions short (10-15 minutes) and reward your child with something they enjoy when they have finished. Depending on your child’s age, there may need to be a number of these sessions to complete their homework. The best learning happens if you remember the motto: “Do a little, often”.

Make Rules that Work for your Family

Children need limits and boundaries. Although they might complain, rules provide a sense of security that helps them learn what to expect from others and how to behave. Follow these guidelines to set effective rules with your family:

Keep rules clear and simple. Don’t overwhelm kids with long lists of prohibited behaviour. Keep just a few reasonable ones, and state them in clear language. For example,”We turn the TV off at 8 p.m.”

Set a routine. Create a written daily schedule that sets times for homework, TV, school, playtime, baths, and meals. A definite schedule decreases the potential for arguments and the need to nag.

Praise often. Don’t wait for a child to violate a rule or misbehave before you give him or her your attention. When you see children doing something right, make sure you praise them promptly to reinforce positive behaviour.

State directions clearly. If the time comes for homework, don’t hint: “Don’t you have homework to do?” Instead, say: “Its time for you to do your homework.

Concentrate on priorities. Focus on one or two specific behaviour at a time, not a lengthy list that no one can remember; you’ll be more consistent, and your child will learn more quickly and readily.