If you have school-aged children, I’m sure you are slowly getting back into the swing of things. As a teacher, I have to admit; I’m having a more challenging time adjusting than I thought I would. I feel like I’m in a constant battle against the clock. So much to do but so little time to get everything done.
The busiest time of day is after school! My 11-year-old and 8-year-old twins are busier than ever, with after-school activities and sports every single night of the week. But, just getting dinner ready (and figuring out the best time to eat – 4 p.m. or 9 p.m.?), showers done, and the kids in bed at a reasonable time is near impossible.
As a teacher this school year, I have tried to be very mindful of this chaos when assigning homework to my third graders. I don’t want our little ones to deal with the stress of homework in addition to their overscheduled days.
Homework is given as a means for students to practice and reinforce previously taught skills. But after being in school all day, the last thing anyone (mommies included) wants to do is homework. To help ease the stress of homework, here are a few tips to help make it a tiny bit easier.
Have a Snack
Using your brain all day is exhausting! Have a quick protein-packed snack ready to go when the kiddos get home to keep energy levels up. Pretzels with peanut butter or a cheese stick give the brain a boost to get the job done.
Pick a Spot
It’s helpful to set up a routine early on, so your child knows what to expect. Try to do homework at the same time and in the same spot every day. Maybe the kitchen table or a desk in your child’s room works best. You want to make sure noise levels are at a minimum, so the TV should be off. Some children need a little background noise to help them focus. My students love the classical guitar station on Pandora.
Get Organized
Have all necessary materials ready to go. Often elementary students need to cut and paste or use crayons to complete assignments. A great idea is to have a small bin or case to store all frequently used materials set up in your “homework spot.” A special pocket folder designated for homework assignments also helps keep things organized
Set a Timer
Your child should be able to complete most homework assignments independently. I recommend setting a timer for about 10-15 minutes (this can vary depending on the age) and allow your child to work independently. After the timer goes off, you can then sit with your child to review answers and ask questions about some of the things they may be learning. If you find that your child is struggling to complete assignments, write a quick note to your child’s teacher letting them know.
Take a Quick Break
As children get older, they may receive homework in multiple subjects. Whenever you see your child is getting frustrated or spending too much time on one assignment, have them take a quick break. Maybe stop and set the table before dinner or do a few stretches.
Keep Reading
In addition to nightly homework, it is also really important for your child to read every night…even if it’s only for ten minutes. It doesn’t matter if they read independently, if they read to you, or if you read to them, just keep reading!
