Tips for Easing Kids Back Into a Homework Routine
At Pro-Vision Academy the charter school teachers were the first to get back to class and start getting ready for the new school year. On August 4, 2014 long before the students’ first day, the teachers were training, conducting team activities and preparing their rooms. They were getting everything ready so that the transition from summer to school would be as easy as possible on the students.
Now that school is back in session kids may still be a little reluctant to get back into the swing of their former homework routine. Here are some tips for getting them back into the “school state of mind” and hitting the books to get homework done after school.
Tip #1 – Have a Designated Time for Homework
By establishing a time for homework it’s easier for a student to get back into a routine. You’ll also know when you can expect them to have their homework done. Researcher Harris Cooper and the National Education Association suggest that homework is typically around 10-20 minutes in 1st grade and an additional 10 minutes for each grade level after that. For example a fifth grader will probably have around 50-60 minutes of homework most days. Take this into consideration when deciding on a time for homework. Also keep in mind that the later it gets the more tired and less focused a student will be. One other thing that you may want to factor in is short breaks at certain time intervals or between subjects.
Tip #2 – Create a Homework Center
Designate part of the home as the homework center. It should be a quiet area that is free of distractions. Every student has a unique learning style so let them help choose the space they think would work best. Once the space is selected take the time to set it up with everything the student needs like paper, pencils, calculator, etc.
Tip #3 – Find a Homework Reward That Will Motivate Them
Some students enjoy learning, other students are motivated by good grades and then there are students that need another type of reward system to encourage them to get their homework done. Come up with the system together so that the reward will truly motivate the student to want to do their homework. It could be a small reward each time homework is done, a reward that’s given for specific homework assignments or a single big reward at the end of the month. At the beginning of the school year it may be best to start with small rewards each time homework is done on time. Rewards could include things like getting out of another chore for the day, getting an extra half hour of TV, an inexpensive app, etc.
Tip #4 – Allow for Fun Once Homework is Done
Make it a rule that once homework is done the student can then have access to their fun activities. It could be allowing them to watch TV or a movie, hanging out with friends, working on a music or art project – whatever they enjoy to do. If they know they are free to have fun after the homework is done it’s an added incentive.
Tip #5 – Provide Support
For Pro-Vision students in middle school it can be helpful for a parent or teacher (if they are attending an after school program) to go over the homework with the student before they start. This gives the student a chance to ask questions and make sure they fully understand the assignment, what’s needed to complete it and how long it should take.
The overall key is to give kids oversight, but let them play an active role in how homework is scheduled and completed. The more involved they are the more invested and motivated they’ll be to get their homework done each day.
Image Source: ingimage.com/imagedetails/27145149_extInt0/02A15A20-Ingimage-Young-Girl-Distracted-From-Her-Homework-Playing-Wi
Original Source: http://www.provision-inc.org/parenting-tips/tips-easing-kids-back-homework-routine/