Let's face it, nobody loves homework, kids or parents, but there are some ways to make it easier (yes, at Easy Daysies we are obsessed with making family life easier!).
Dr. Jean Shay Schumm, author of How to Help Your Child With Homework, offers this suggestion:
"Teach Consistency
Barring schedule-busters like after-school activities, your child should try to do her homework at the same time every day. "Without a routine, it's too easy to put off," says Jeanne Shay Schumm, PhD, author of How to Help Your Child with Homework. In figuring out the optimal time, consider the family schedule and your child's temperament. Most kids need a chance to decompress after school, and many work more efficiently following physical activity. In fact, research shows that exercise can actually increase a child's concentration.
Once you've nailed the time, create a dedicated study space. Having a consistent spot helps kids switch into study mode. But forget about the conventional wisdom of a desk in your child's room. In early elementary school, it's better to set things up in a central location so you're around to help if needed. Make room on the kitchen or dining room table for him to stretch out with books and papers. And keep supplies at the ready; otherwise, you're inviting procrastination -- the number of minutes spent searching for a pencil can easily turn into hours!" (source: parents.com)
You see, Dr. Schumm understands that it is not rocket science or any fancy tricks that will help you help your child, it is good old fashioned basics like routine, consistency, and creating a positive environment. Here is a sample routine you could post on the kitchen fridge or in the central area you choose for homework:
Dr. Jean Shay Schumm, author of How to Help Your Child With Homework, offers this suggestion:
"Teach Consistency
Barring schedule-busters like after-school activities, your child should try to do her homework at the same time every day. "Without a routine, it's too easy to put off," says Jeanne Shay Schumm, PhD, author of How to Help Your Child with Homework. In figuring out the optimal time, consider the family schedule and your child's temperament. Most kids need a chance to decompress after school, and many work more efficiently following physical activity. In fact, research shows that exercise can actually increase a child's concentration.
Once you've nailed the time, create a dedicated study space. Having a consistent spot helps kids switch into study mode. But forget about the conventional wisdom of a desk in your child's room. In early elementary school, it's better to set things up in a central location so you're around to help if needed. Make room on the kitchen or dining room table for him to stretch out with books and papers. And keep supplies at the ready; otherwise, you're inviting procrastination -- the number of minutes spent searching for a pencil can easily turn into hours!" (source: parents.com)
You see, Dr. Schumm understands that it is not rocket science or any fancy tricks that will help you help your child, it is good old fashioned basics like routine, consistency, and creating a positive environment. Here is a sample routine you could post on the kitchen fridge or in the central area you choose for homework:
(By the way, my husband's favorite magnet!)
By following a natural progression of rewarding activities before and after homework time, you can help your child have the motivation and concentration to get the job done!
You can hand these four magnets to your youngster and ask them which order they think they should be in. You may be surprised!
Magnets in this illustration are from the Easy Daysies Every Day Kit, Family Activities Kit, and Special Times and Clocks Kit.
You can hand these four magnets to your youngster and ask them which order they think they should be in. You may be surprised!
Magnets in this illustration are from the Easy Daysies Every Day Kit, Family Activities Kit, and Special Times and Clocks Kit.
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