By The Harvee School
Homework can be a difficult task for our kids! It not only reinforces classroom learning but also helps students to develop skills, attitudes, and knowledge. However, managing homework can often be a source of stress for students.
As parents, educators, or mentors, it’s crucial to understand and implement effective strategies to assist students in managing their homework. Here are five indispensable strategies to help students efficiently handle their homework.
Turn homework into a fun challenge by setting goals and rewards. For example, challenge your child to complete their homework in a certain amount of time or with a certain level of accuracy. Offer a small reward for completing the challenge, such as extra screen time or a special treat.
Encourage your child to form a homework club with friends or classmates. They can meet regularly to work on homework, share ideas, and support each other. This can make homework feel more like a social activity and less like a solitary task.
Visual tools like calendars and checklists can significantly aid in planning daily activities, including homework. This allows students to visualize their plans and understand their tasks better.
For some, drawing their plan can be more effective than writing it. This approach allows them to create their visual representation of the completed work, making the tasks seem more manageable and less daunting.
Some students prefer to complete easy assignments first to build confidence. In contrast, others may tackle complex tasks first when their energy levels are highest. Allowing the child to decide on the work order can make homework time more efficient and less stressful.
Breaks can be beneficial depending on your child’s learning style and needs. Short breaks can refresh the mind, making focusing on the next task more accessible.
Breaking down assignments into smaller, manageable tasks can make them seem less overwhelming. It’s beneficial to highlight and review the directions with the child, discuss work completion strategies, and model the thinking process for taking things one step at a time.
Sticky notes help conceal visually overwhelming sections of an assignment. They also act as reminders for specific strategies or steps to follow.
Students often misjudge the amount of time needed to complete homework assignments. Having the child estimate how long they think it will take to complete a task and then comparing it to the actual time it takes can help them become more self-aware and accurate when planning their homework assignments.
Encourage your child to ask questions when they don’t understand something or need help with classwork or homework. This will help them clarify their doubts and understand the tasks better.
If your child is struggling with a homework assignment, encourage them to seek help from you or their teacher. This can be done through a one-on-one discussion or even a virtual meeting, depending on what is most convenient for the student and the teacher.
These five strategies can help students manage their homework more effectively. Although these strategies may require time and effort to implement, they can significantly improve homework management, leading to better academic performance and less stress for students and parents.
Remember, the goal is to guide your child toward independence. Start by offering more support and slowly remove the hurdles as your child gains confidence and becomes more proficient at managing their homework independently.
