Homework has always been a touchy subject for students. But, hey – who remembers actually enjoying homework that much? Mel Syers catches up with Dr. Vanessa von Auer, Principal Integrated International School
Homework is an essential part of the schooling experience, however. It helps students master concepts learned at school, allows them to practice these concepts and skills at their own pace, and, results in a sense of achievement once they are mastered. So, mom and dad – how can you help your child understand that homework and developing relevant work habits can pave their way to academic as well as emotional success? Here are some simple tips to get you started:
Have a game plan.
Sit down with your kiddo for a casual goal setting session for the academic year. Guide them to set both short and long term goals for themselves, and how to go about achieving these. Setting goals is not only crucial for academic success but also emotional success. By managing time wisely, completing assignments and working out problems independently, children learn to be responsible for their day to day tasks, they become more independent and are motivated to try their best because of the sense of achievement they feel. Make sure to review and adjust these goals routinely and let your child play an active part in the process.
Set aside “homework time”.
Make homework a part of your child’s daily routine. Enforcing a routine of having allotted homework time can be met with some resistance at first, but will pay off in the long run. However, be flexible in terms of how your child completes his/her homework. If he/she needs music on to focus or to take short breaks after every 15 minutes, then encourage these self-help skills. Letting them choose how to be most productive lets them take a more involved role in their learning process, providing them with a sense of control and/or empowerment.
Make it quality time.
Make homework time an opportunity to bond and catch up with your child. This is a great way to make homework enjoyable. Ask your child to read to you while snuggling up on the couch, for example. Who wouldn’t love that?
