Homework
Tips To Make It Easier
I wanted to kick-off the new school year with a little advice on homework. So, I’ve put together some of the things we found helpful through the years, and also gathered a few other posts for you to peruse.
Let’s face it, everyone wants their child to be successful in school, and homework is a large part of that success. The importance of learning how to do homework is a life lesson in itself. Learning organizational skills, study habits, how to prioritize, and budgeting your time is essential to becoming a successful adult.
Here are some of the things we did:
- Do Homework Right After School
This serves a couple of purposes. The first being that the lessons learned in school are still fresh in their minds, and they will have an easier time recalling the information and putting into practice. Secondly, With the homework monkey off their back, kids will have time to relax, rejuvenate, and share some family-time before getting organized for the following day and going to bed.
- Have a Homework Cabinet
By this I mean have a place where you keep all homework supplies–paper, pencils, crayons, glue, etc. Have file holders for sorting: Homework in progress (for those longer projects), Graded Homework (for studying for tests), etc. We had separate stacks for each child.
- Doing Homework on the Go?
I carried homework supplies in my vehicle–for those days when you pick-up the kids from school and head straight to dance class or soccer practice. Colored pencils, pencils, pens, pencil sharpener, scissors, rulers, compasses, protractors, glue sticks, tape, paper…you name it. If it didn’t melt, I had it in my box. While one child was dancing, I had the other two doing homework. We also carried folding chairs so we could sit outside the hot car.
- Use Car Time Wisely
We practiced math facts, spelling words, and memory verses while driving to and from school everyday.
- Help But Don’t Do
Sometimes kids need help with their homework. It is great to help them before they get so frustrated they just shut down or melt down. The key is to help and not do their work. Do not give answers. Ask questions they can answer that will lead them to the correct answer. If they are just not understanding a concept, re-read the lesson with them and share examples. Help them understand the lesson, before attempting the assignment again. Helping teaches, and kids learn–doing does nothing.
Check these posts out for more Homework Inspiration and Ideas
Homework Tips From An Ex-Tutor
from Kathy @ Mothering From Scratch
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Homework Planning & Organizational Tips For Students
from Angela & Heather @ Sports Mom Survival Guide
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5 Simple Tips To Stress-Free Homework Time
from Rebecca @ Simple As That
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10 Tips For Giving & Managing Homework (Without Going Crazy)
from Linda @ Teach 4 The Heart
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A+ Homework Tips From A {{Former}} Teacher
from Katie @ Clarks Condensed
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Looking for a Fun Idea for School? Check this out!
Cool For School Or Anytime – Shoelacing!
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What are your Homework Strategies?
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~Lorelai
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Contact Lorelai at Lorelai@LifeWithLorelai.com
I love you these tips and although our kids are not in school, I can see how these tips are effective. As an educator, I get it. I love the idea about taking it to extracurricular activities so when one is practicing, the other is busy doing homework.
Taking homework to the extra curricular was fantastic! The kids really didn’t mind it, because otherwise they would have sat there being bored. They didn’t feel like they were wasting away their time. 🙂
I could have used all of these tips when the kids were growing up! Tips for making homework less stressful are great for the parent and the kids. Great roundup!
Glad you like these tips, Alli. I agree…any way to make homework less stressful for child parent is a good thing. 🙂
Always get it done right when you get home, like you said. Then you have the rest of the day to “play”! Great post!
Thanks, Kristen! I agree, getting done first is the best way. Having time to play and relax will allow your brain to unwind so you will get better sleep too! 🙂
So many great tips to help make homework time easier on everyone.
I love using that time in the car to work on math skills!
So glad you found these tips helpful…and when there’s just one mommy, you have to make every minute count! 🙂
Homework here we come! My youngest started 3rd grade this morning.
We do the same thing with the homework routine – do it first so we don’t have to worry about it later on. And despite being tired from school I have noticed that the kids will still concentrate better and get it done more quickly than if I have to drag them back to the table later.
It’s been fun co-hosting the #HomeMattersParty with you. September here we come!
That is SO true, Alayna. Dragging the kids back and getting them re-focused takes longer. Good luck with 3rd grade! 🙂
Really great tips!! It’s so important to make homework time something that is a good thing and not what they don’t want to participate in! 🙂
Yes, the more fun you can make it the better! I used to make up sentences for the spelling words, and each sentence would build into a story. I did it on the fly so the kids always thought it was entertaining. LOL
These are so helpful! Am determined to get us started on the right foot this year with homework- thank you for all the resources!
We are looking forward to another fantastic week at the #HomeMattersParty. Thank you for having us as co-hosts.
I’m happy you found these tips and resource helpful. 🙂 Good luck with the new school year!
Love love love these tips… I don’t have kiddos in need of homework tips yet but my hubby has gone back to school to get his RN… do you think these tips will help me with him? Thanks for linking up with us at Welcome Home Wednesdays! Can’t wait to see you back next week!
Oh yes, you can drill him on medical terminology every time your in the car together! LOL I wish him and you all the best with his training. 🙂
You always have such great tips on your blog. These are great. My boys were pretty good about getting it done (not always right away) and working well on their own. I was lucky that I didn’t have to sit with them each night and make sure it got finished. I will pin for my parenting friends!
Great tips! This will be our first year with homework, so I know I’ll be using them. Thanks for including me in the #HomeMattersParty I’m having so much fun!
Good luck, Shann! These tips will definitely give you some help. 🙂
Great tips for getting homework done. I love the idea of keeping everything handy in the car! Thank you for sharing at Celebrate it Sunday.
Homework is always a big issue with my kids. This blog seems to have some amazing tips for all such kids who face problem with their homework. Thanks for sharing….
I know a lot of these tricks worked really well for us over the years. Glad you found them helpful. 🙂
Great tips for homework. My kids usually need a little bit of encouragement to get their homework done right away but it usually works best to have them do it right after school. #HomeMattersParty
Homework was a struggle to get through with the kids in middle school but thankfully high school wasn’t an issue for us and they took care of it on their own. Great tips for struggling parents out there. #HomeMattersParty
My girls are no problem when it comes to homework. My son on the other hand, I’ll take all the tips I can get! Thanks for sharing on #HomeMattersParty