Top Ten Tips to Make Homework Time Less Stressful

There is so much to say about homework! Now that we are almost through the back-to-school transition, your children are probably seeing more work assigned for home. Whether or not you think kids should be getting homework (or maybe not as much), there are a few ways we can make nightly homework a little bit easier on you and them. Here are my top ten tips to create a manageable homework routine and avoid nightly battles.

1.Be clear on the goal of the assignment

This is especially important if working on an assignment that is challenging for your kiddo. When you know the end goal, you know where you can make adjustments. For example, if the end goal of an assignment is to produce a creative writing story, then perhaps your child can type the story instead of handwrite. If the end goal is to work on handwriting, well then no, they cannot type it. But you can shorten the amount of writing you are expecting to see so you can step up expectations to focus on handwriting. Make sense?

2. Make a homework routine

I solemnly believe in muscle memory and you can use it to your advantage in so many ways. Creating a routine that works will depend on your child and the rhythm of your home, but here is an example:

• Come home and unpack/put away backpack

• Eat snack and talk about the day

• Outside play or walk

• Homework - check planner and create a checklist of priorities

• Quick break

• Finish homework

• Play

• Dinner

• Reading

3. Make a homework station

Having a designated spot to sit and do work will make the transition to homework time much smoother. Lessen the amount of time and effort it takes to get started by already having supplies there and ready to go. Keep pencils, pens, scissors, glue sticks, and other supplies in a specific desk drawer, cart, or organizer. If your child uses technology for homework, keep a list of passwords and usernames posted for easy access. Make sure they have a charging cord, headphones, and are able to use the technology. Also, check that this spot is comfortable. Can your child feet rest on the floor? Are they having to tilt their head up too high to see the screen? You can ask them, but also watch their body language. Little ones may not realize that the way they are sitting is not conducive to quality work. This post talks more about creating an optimal learning environment at home!

4. Prioritize

If you feel there is too much work given, focus on reading and tasks that connect to and extend classwork. Homework should never be busy work. If you feel that your child is getting a lot of work that doesn’t connect with what they are learning, it might be worth looking into. Your child’s time at home is precious. (I can't say I never made this mistake as a teacher, so be nice.)

5. Break down assignments into chunks by using checklists

Older children might have planners or agenda books to use. Help them use this tool effectively. Again, this is about building muscle memory for stronger study skills. For younger kids, you can make a simple checklist on a whiteboard or piece of paper so they know what they need to tackle. Kids also love the little boost they feel when checking off a completed task. Pro tip: make sure you are praising effort and quality work instead of completing a task quickly.

6. Teach your child how to ask for help and communicate frustration

If they don’t have the language to ask for help, children will start to communicate their frustration with their behaviors. So try to get ahead of that by teaching them to recognize the need for help or a break:

• “This feels hard.”

• “I’m not sure how to do that, can you show me?”

• “Can you tell me the directions again?”

• “I’m feeling frustrated right now.”

• “Can I have a break and try again in a few minutes?”
  

7. Avoid making reading homework feel like homework

If you want your child to be a lifelong reader and look forward to reading, then you need to make it an enjoyable activity. A teacher may ask you to record reading in a log, but don’t stress about it or make it a big deal. Avoid discussing levels, and never ever make a child read as a punishment instead of watching TV. EEK!! Instead, model reading for fun in front of your kids. Have a stack of books on your nightstand. Don’t judge their book choices. Allow them to stay up late reading books with a flashlight. Talk about the books they are reading. And keep reading aloud to your big kids. Make sure books aren’t too hard, and if you sense a difficulty, get help.

8. Read the directions and have open communication with the teacher

Make sure you read the notices that are coming home and the directions for assignments or projects. Even if you are frustrated with an assignment, never speak poorly about your child’s teacher or the work in front of them. Kids do as you do. You want to convey that you and the child are on the same team and on a mission to help your child succeed. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the teacher with concerns.

9. Foster independent learning and self-confidence

Be positive in your approach, and praise effort and whatever else you’d like to reinforce. When assisting your child with work, you should provide guidance, feedback, and encouragement - but NOT the answers. Remember that struggle is important for the developing brain. It can be super tough to discern a healthy struggle vs. complete frustration, so reach out for help if you are unsure. If your child is visibly frustrated or upset, it’s time to take a step back. Visit this post for some helpful language that you can use when assisting your child.

10. Keep in mind how much homework is appropriate

If you are someone seeking more homework, remember that play is your child’s work, too. If you are finding that your child seems to be doing homework all night long, you should make a plan to fix that using these ten tips. As a general rule of thumb, I like the ten minute rule for homework! Your child should spend *roughly* ten minutes of time on homework per grade (ex: 2nd graders should have about 20 minutes of homework, in addition to reading).

Don't let homework get in the way of your child having a fantastic school year. If you want more specific help, don't hesitate to send me an email or apply for a free consultation!