What You Need to Know About HOMEWORK!!!
Are you wondering about homework and what you can do if it’s too hard, too much or just plain stressing everyone out? Tonight’s post is all about some tips and tricks to help support your child and you in the battles with homework!
The Battle is Real!
So homework… Let’s be honest, it’s a lot of work, it’s a lot of time and for our kids who are already working hard all day long just to keep up it can feel like yet another battle for them and you on a nightly basis. School is often a stressful place where students with learning challenges feel they need to keep up, dig deep or just hold it together. When they get home at night the anxiety of the day can often take a toll on their emotional self. As parents we want our child to succeed and we as children were taught that the best way to keep the learning going was to continue the learning at home.
But what if for just a minute we think about a different way… If the brain is given a chance to rest, regroup and the anxiety is left aside then maybe they’ll have more strength for their day to day. I am not saying to never do home, but maybe we need to consider that you don’t need to every piece of homework or every sheet that comes home every night. As a teacher I believe that students can learn amazing things from doing extra curricular activities or just playing at the park! Just being able to release the anxiety and relax. School is hard, keeping it together is hard and not blowing up can take super hero effort.
Homework doesn’t need to be a battle. Here are 5 tips to make it easier.
5 Things to consider when look at homework
So lets break homework down and consider 5 things when looking at how important it is for your child (and you in some cases) really need to battle it out!
You can say NO to homework
This is something that has floored a number of people. I posted a story on Instagram recently explaining that you can say NO to homework. As a parent you can decide how much or how little you do. If you are going to say no to homework, be sure to give your reason to your child’s teacher. This goes back to having open lines of communication with your child’s school.
Homework should be meaningful
When your child comes home with work to do ask yourself if it seems meaningful? In other words, does it look like simply photocopied sheets of paper just to keep kids “busy” in the evening, or does it fit with what you think your child has been learning or has been telling you? Do what you think makes sense.
How busy is your child after school?
If your child is taking part in extra activities in the evening, let them enjoy that. Chances are those activities allow your child to feel successful and gives them something positive to focus on. Allow them to enjoy those activities and don’t worry about the homework. It has been shown that doing activities outside of school helps to foster a well rounded student.
Make a plan for getting done what is important
Make a plan with your child’s teacher around what is important in homework. For example, with my own kids, I tell the teachers I don’t put pressure on my kids to complete their homework. However, if there’s something really important, so a test to study for, a project to complete or something of the sort, let me know and we’ll put that as a priority. However, if not… It will get done but maybe only two pages of the 5 pages sent home. We talk as a team and workout what needs to be done!
Be consistent
Which ever way you decide to deal with homework make sure you stick to that plan and agreement throughout the school year. Pick a way to make homework work for you and your family and stick to that plan. If you need to change plan make sure your child understands why and find a way to get it done together!
Remember, all things having to do with your child and education are up to you. During the school day the child needs to follow and do the work they are asked to do. Homework, that’s a different story for some kids. It can cause more anxiety in the home and create a feeling of dread. Don’t make homework a fight. Speak to your child’s teacher and work together to ensure a positive outcome before, during and after the school day!
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