Homework time can be a stressful, frustrating time for both children and their parents. Here are my best three “parent homework tip” go-tos.
Homework Pros & Cons
There’s a great debate among teachers and parents alike about homework and whether or not it serves a student-driven purpose. The answer is: maybe.
Arguments for homework are that skills always need to be practiced as they’re developing. Musicians, dancers, and athletes will certainly agree with that. Homework provides this practice.
On the other hand, arguments against homework–especially in elementary–make the case that kids need to be kids; something homework often hinders.
Studies have shown that homework’s efficacy boils down to basically two things: age-appropriate length and content.
Upper elementary students should receive homework that is not overwhelmingly long (age-appropriate) and directly related to classwork (content). You can read more on this homework discussion here.
Parent Homework Tip #1: Create a Homework Station
This is the most important tip because it will set you up for success in every homework session! There are a few things to consider here: low-distraction space, lighting, and supplies.
Low-Distraction Space
Homework at the dining table? Seems like you’re minimizing distractions! Homework in front of the living room TV? Um…not so much. You want the space to be open enough that conversations and questions are encouraged, but you want it to be focused study time, too. Turn off the TV, place phones in a basket (parents and children alike!), and focus on the assignment(s) at hand.
Lighting
I’m a proud Stephen F. Austin State University Lumberjack. While there, I earned my degree in theatre and spent as much time as a second major would have in the education building, focusing on secondary. But the elementary side of the program was pure magic.
SFA has a charter school that has very strong opinions on fluorescent lights (spoiler alert: not a fan!). As such, it uses lamps and soft-glow strands of lights as opposed to overhead lighting. It isn’t a jazz lounge, though. Through the use of alternative lighting, the space is incredibly well-lit (and there’s always praise for windows!); it just isn’t as harsh.
The error I’ve seen other teachers make when implementing alternative lighting is always that it goes too dark. Natural light from one window isn’t sufficient. Two lamps in a classroom full of students is ineffective. It’s all about balance.
Transform your study space by selecting a space with some natural light that also utilizes softer lights from lamps.
Supplies
Rolling cart? Caddy? There’s no wrong answer here. What works best for you?
Organizing homework supplies (pencils, notebook paper, colored pencils, markers, crayons, pencil sharpener, glue stick, scissors, ruler, etc.) into something that is mobile allows you to clean up your space quickly as well as to gather everything in one spot from the outset.
Parent Homework Tip #2: Take a Break before You Start
I know what you’re thinking, but this speaks to the argument that kids should be kids. I am a huge fan of looking at the whole child. What does your kiddo need physically after school?
Take a quick trip to the park, walk around the block, or just run around outside for 20 minutes. This allows the body to use any stored-up energy from the school day, access motor skills, and to create a ritual of separation between school and home.
After the break, make a balanced and nutritious snack (with some brain-building fats!) like:
- Apple Wedges and Grapes with Cheese Slices
- Mixed Berries with Full-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt and Honey
- Meat & String Cheese Rollovers with Carrots
- Cucumbers and Carrots with Guacamole
Now your kiddo is ready to begin and you’re ready for my third tip.
Parent Homework Tip #3: Be Present
Remember how your phone is in that basket to minimize distractions? It’s important that you’re present when your child is working on homework, so you can answer any questions.
Now, I’m a busy parent myself, so I know that it takes multitasking to get it all done sometimes. I get it. You can multitask and be present.
In our house, it looks like me doing dinner prep (which often includes dishes) while my children work on homework across from the sink, at the bar in our kitchen. I’m accessible when they need me and can pause the kitchen work to come to help them.
And if you can’t help? It shows that concepts are sometimes difficult to grasp, but we can keep trying. Way to teach perseverance! And then email me for a free consultation about tutoring your child. I’d love to help!
What tip stood out to you as one you want to try? Let me know in the comments!
