Our kids have been back in school for a few weeks now and the homework is starting to come home. We have a 3rd grader and kindergartner doing homework this year.
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We want to make homework time successful for them. We do three things to make sure that happens.
1. Schedule a time for homework.
Carve a time into your nightly routine and stick to it. Some parents like homework to be done right after school, so they don’t have to worry about it the rest of the night. We found that our kids need a break after school, so our homework time is right after dinner, which usually makes it 6pm. On nights that we have activities like boy scouts or soccer practice, the kids are required to complete their homework immediately after school.
2. Be organized.
Hunting for backpacks and supplies when it is homework time only slows down the process. Make a designated spot for backpacks, papers brought home from school, and supplies needed to do homework.
If you are on Pinterest, you likely have seen posts on homework stations. We don’t have the space within our home for a homework station, so we have a homework box for each of our school aged children that includes pencils, paper, an eraser, a ruler, and crayons.
3. Set up a conducive work environment.
Ideally you would have a spot in your home that is set up just for homework, but for many that is not possible. Find an area in your home where your child can sit at a table or desk that is as free of distractions as possible For our kids it is at the dining room table that adjoins the kitchen. I am usually cleaning up from dinner and close by if they need any help. Eliminate distractions as much as possible by turning off any electronics not needed for homework and keeping younger children quiet.
I am excited to team up with a group of bloggers again this month to bring you this homework series. I hope you will check out these other great posts on homework.
- How to Avoid Homework Battles with Your Strong-Willed Child
- The Best Way to Prepare for This Friday’s Spelling Test
- Surviving Your Child’s Math Homework
- Homework and Gifted Learners
- Managing Homework Ideas & Free Homework Punch Cards
Our topic next month will be communication with your child’s school on October 2.
