I have to start this by confessing something: I have a love/ hate relationship with homework.
I really believe it has great education benefits for my kids. I’ve watched how after school revision has helped my son leap ahead in his reading, and it is great to see how he is progressing.
But I hate the constant, everyday battle over getting it done. It is relentless.
This year my middle son starts school, so I am dreading having the battle raging on two fronts.
I have decided that if it’s to be a battle, I am going to be prepared. I have formulated a plan and it has four elements.
Just as an FYI, you should know that this post is sponsored by HP’s new Stream family. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100% authentic and written in their own words.
1. Set aside a regular time.
We are early risers in my house and with two school-aged boys and a girl in pre-school we are chock-a-block with activities after school. So I find mornings are the best time to do homework.
‘I got an A for my kid’s homework assignment’
If they have a regular routine and they know what is expected of them, it just gets done.
I also find it helpful to set a time limit on the homework itself. No teacher wants your child caught up for hours on end writing out lists of words after a full day at school. Talk to your child’s teacher about an agreed time limit to set and when you hit the mark encourage them to stop, even if they haven’t finished.
2. Get them their own device.
If your little one is just starting school this year you might think this recommendation is way off in the future, and that they don’t need their own tablet. I was the same but I have come to realise that if you don’t buy them one, they will just use yours. There are some really good inexpensive options on the market. Check out the HP Stream family. You can get a laptop for yourself, or your older child and your younger primary school kid a tablet. The tablet is only $229, and in the long run it will pay itself back with the educational benefits it will bring.
My son’s math abilities increased beyond what I could have imagined by using the Mathletics program, while his little brother who is only starting school this year has started using Reading Eggs on his tablet.
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Top Comments
Homework is a constant responsibility for the school years and is most definitely about the parents as well as the children.Even if it is not compulsory there is still a lot of assistance required from parents for children to get ahead.
I suggest stop doing so many activities which tire everyone out - it is not necessary for children to be constantly doing something organised they need downtime too.
Young primary school children don't need devices they need someone to patiently sit down with them and listen to reading, as well as assistance to practice basic skills writing, counting spelling etc.
Ensuring children follow through with set homework is teaching them commitment and self discipline as well as self confidence in own ability. It teaches respect for the teacher who has requested the work be done.
Consequences should definitely be your concern because in the long run the person suffering for non compliance is going to be your child when they get pushed through school without the basic skills they need. This will set them up for difficulties later. As a parent you have to put time into assisting your child to learn if you want them to succeed. You have to be responsible and willing to put the effort in yourself - that is one of the hard parts of parenting.
I deal with teens so it isn't a homework sheet type deal. I just expect 10-20 minutes of revision. Still have parents who say they won't do it. my advice is you say, it is revision/hhomework time now. I will see you in 20 minutes.