Strategies for Tackling Homework

Children are more successful in school when parents take an active role in their learning. This helps children to understand that what they are doing in school is important.

Although parents recognize the long-term benefits of homework, it sometimes can feel like a daily struggle with children to get it done.

Here are 5 tips to help your kid make homework manageable.

1. Set up a homework-friendly area – Make sure your child has a clean and well-lit place to do their homework. It helps to make sure supplies that she may need like pencils, crayons, paper and glue are nearby. If your child is still fighting/frustrated, something as simple as changing location for “a special place to work” can boost a child’s motivation and maybe even her confidence.
2. Schedule a regular homework time – Children respond well to routine. It helps them to understand what is expected of them. If it helps, give your child a time frame to get her homework done. This will give her some control over her schedule as well.
3. Keep distractions to a minimum – This means no TV, no loud music, and/or distracting sibling. Try to find a quiet space where your child can focus. Especially, if she gets distracted easily.
4. Be a motivator – When children don’t understand something right away, they may feel like they’re not smart enough and start to shut down. Try figuring out the first problem together to help your child to remember what they learned in school.
5. Praise their work and efforts – For younger students especially, instant feedback is needed. It’s OK to correct mistakes, unless of course a teacher asks that you do not, but make sure to praise your child for her efforts too and emphasize what she has done well. She may be more inclined to do a good job the first time if she knows she will get your praises.

If homework still becomes a struggle, make sure to be in constant communication with your child’s teacher(s). Some children may need a little extra help.

While many teachers spend some class time teaching study skills, students often need more guidance. In middle school, there’s more homework, time management becomes more difficult and it requires analytical skills your child may not have developed yet.

At Villa Maria Academy Lower School, once our students enter middle school, students participate in Study Skills sessions to help improve their ability to learn and study more effectively. The students learn about executive functions and the role they play in learning.

The study skills your child needs to do well are the same ones she will need to succeed in high school and college: getting organized, taking good notes and studying effectively.

Want to learn more? Contact our Admissions Office at (610) 644-4864.