HOMEWORK 101

Tips for helping your kids thrive at school – and at home

A return to school also means a return to dreaded homework. Just the word has the ability to strike fear in the hearts of students, parents and grandparents alike. But it doesn’t have to be that way!

If homework has been the cause of friction in your home, we have good news.

ere are a few tried and tested steps you can take to help your kids get on top of – and stay on top of – their homework throughout the whole school year.

Follow these tips from the Home Tutor book series to help your kids get on the right learning track, and continue the school year right…

1 KNOW THE BASICS

Schools have di erent forms of homework requirements. Some have simple pencil and paper tasks, whilst others use electronic devices only. Some have a combination of both. It is important for parents to understand the style and extent of homework activities used by their child's school.

2 ASK THE TEACHER

At the rst parentteacher meeting of the year, discuss the homework requirements with the class teacher. ere may be a variety of minor tasks on a nightly basis, as well as long-term projects for some subject areas.

3 CREATE A SPACE

If possible, provide a study corner that is quiet and free from any distractions (no radio or TV interruptions). Ensure the area is well-lit and is a clean and comfortable work environment. A homework calendar can be a useful addition to the study corner.

4 GET EQUIPPED

Ensure that such items as writing paper, pencils, biros, coloured pencils, rulers and geometry sets are kept in a suitable container in the study corner. Reference materials for mathematics, grammar and language conventions are also useful.

5 MAKE IT STRESS FREE

Homework shouldn't be a stressful experience, but one that is a regular part of the day. Encouragement and interest by parents and other family members will enhance the value of this period of extra educational activity. Making homework time a regular feature of home life, and ensuring that e orts by the children are encouraged and praised by other family members can help make homework a much less stressful activity.