Teachers often assign homework to help your child understand and practice what he learned in school, explains PBS Kids. While some children are reluctant to get started on their homework after spending the day in school, you can help your child have a good attitude by stressing the importance of homework as it relates to continued success in school. Let you child know that you will be there to help him if he needs it and help him learn strategies for time management and good work skills.
Step 1
Provide an environment conducive to doing homework. The U.S. Department of Education suggests setting aside a quiet, comfortable place of the house for homework. Ask her whether she would prefer to be in her bedroom or at the kitchen table, but be prepared to change the location if she is too distracted by her toys or by family commotion.
Step 2
Provide the supplies that he needs to get all of his homework done. Keep a basket of pencils, pens, different types of paper, scissors, glue and anything else that he needs within easy reach of the homework area. Keep a supply of shoe boxes, poster board, paint and other items that he might need on an occasional basis for projects. This will reduce the need for last-minute trips to the store to pick up supplies for a project due the next day.
Step 3
Choose a convenient time for your child to do homework. PBS Kids says that some kids do their best work when they first get home, and others are more able to settle down to do work after they have run off some steam. Pick a time when you are available to help her if necessary, but when you are not in the midst of another project, such as making dinner, in the same room.
Step 4
Cut back on after-school activities if necessary. The U.S. Department of Education points out that many children have several lessons and other activities in the early evenings, and that these may interfere with homework. While a flexible homework schedule may work for your child, if you notice that he is struggling to get it all done, you may need to eliminate an activity or two on a temporary or permanent basis.
Step 5
Check to be sure that your child is completing her homework. Look at her assignment book regularly and check over her work to make sure that she has done the assignments that she was supposed to.
Step 6
Keep in touch with her teachers. Attend parent-teacher meetings, and send in a note if you are concerned about the homework that your child is getting. If he is spending more time than you think he should be or if he is having trouble understanding his homework, he may need extra help.
Tips and Warnings
- Be careful not to take too much responsibility for your child's work, warns PBS Kids. Don't let helping turn into giving her answers, and don't supply too much guidance in completing school projects. Allow your child to learn from her mistakes and take pride in a job well done.
Things You'll Need
- Desk or other comfortable work area
- Pens
- Pencils
- Scissors
- Glue
- Poster board
- Shoe boxes
- Paint
