Tips to PREVENT a Homework Battle!!

​School is back in session and the afterschool whirlwind of activity has begun. How does an active kid complete required homework, participate in afterschool activities, AND get 9-11 hours of sleep a night??

 Here are some tips for setting up a homework routine that is effective and efficient.

1. Create and assign an appropriate and consistent place and time to do homework. The place should be well lit and with limited distractions. Do not ask your child to do homework at the kitchen table when younger siblings are playing nearby, or someone is watching television/tablet within earshot.  The time should be when the child is fresh and not feeling pressured to hurry.
2. Make sure all materials are present that might be needed. Gather paper, pencils, pencil sharpener, calculator, crayons, pens, ruler, etc. ahead of time and have them ready. This eliminates the need to get up to look for a tool or supply.
3. Turn off the phone! Create a phone caddy for older students and parents to keep the distractions at bay. Make sure older students have their calculator present and do not need the phone for math calculations.
4. Set a timer and every 15 minutes, take a short (1-2 minute) break!! Stretching, movement, or changing subjects are ways to keep motivated.
5. Do not leave your child unsupervised during homework sessions.  Expect your child to need some assistance to get started or to stay on task. Older students may simply need you to check-in with them, or to do a check-out with you, but younger children often need direct support.

REMEMBER- your job as a parent is to be their cheerleader and coach – NOT their teacher. Homework is your child’s responsibility -- NEVER homework FOR your child.  If homework is not completed, let your child experience the natural consequences of incomplete or late homework.
 
Note: your child should be assigned no more than 10 minutes per grade level of homework (besides free reading). For example, it is reasonable for a third grader to be assigned 30 minutes of homework (3 x 10) and a sixth grader to be assigned a full hour of homework (6 x 10).  If your child is unable to complete their homework in a reasonable amount of time, discuss it with their teacher.
 
If you find yourself in need of additional support, do not hesitate to reach out to us at The Tutoring Center!! 

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