Tips for homework newbies
We have entered into the world of homework here at Casa Ladd and it has fast become a house of frustration on homework nights. My husband, I had no idea, is Dragon Dad and I am on the sidelines trying to mediate. I mean my boy never had homework and suddenly we have pages to do.
I asked my sister in law Bee, a school teacher in Brooklyn schools for over a decade, to provide tips on how I can avoid having my child not to hate homework and actually learn to enjoy it.
Bee's Tips:
Pick a spot
Find a quiet place in the house, distraction free. Try an area that is toy, tv and electronic free. The room should be distraction free as possible, even a small space in the kitchen can be the best place.
Stay Put
If possible set up a desk in this space or a designated spot to do homework, be consistent on the place and time every day homework is done.
Dragon mom\dad tactics do not always work on homework newbies
Making deals, If you're child is resistant to homework can be key in getting your child to not hate homework. Try breaking it down. Example, If they do all their homework then they can have their favorite show or play for X amount of time. Note: If your child has a learning disability/academic struggle doing homework in small time frames such as 5 minutes is a good way to start your child on homework. Breaks such as a stretch or a dance can be fun which will help your child to look forward to getting the task done. If sitting down to do homework isn't working try having them stand at the desk.
Sensory Issue
Kids that have sensory issues can try a squish ball. Holding the ball (but not playing with it) in their non -writing hand works as a stress reliever which will help them focus.
Talking to teacher
Most teachers work with their fellow on grade level teachers and decide together what the homework is. First find out if the homework is consistent with the grade level. If the kids are all having the same amount of homework then try not be combative, the teacher only cares about your child and has their best interest. Set up a friendly meeting or if you can wait for the parent teacher conference, this is always the best environment to openly discuss your child's progress. Share your concerns and whether or not it is too much for you child. Ask the teacher for tips on how you can get your child to do their homework. Many kids work differently with their teachers then how they work with their parents, the teachers tips can only be a benefit to getthing through the homework process.
Remember
Homework is the necessary evil but it is meant to reinforce what they are learning in school. If your child is struggling with the content then you need their teacher to know- for the content is an important tool in your child's growth and learning to navigate the best rountine is key for their development.
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