The school term is in full swing meaning that ‘homework’ is becoming a dreaded word for most kids. Here at Tutor Doctor we want to try and make homework as easy as possible. That’s why we’ve come up with some top tips on how to make study time easier on your kids and dare we say it fun.
1. Set specific time aside for homework every day
A really easy way to not make homework such a chore for your children is by setting a specific time aside every day. Having this dedicated time will not only make sure that your child is doing their homework but will also get them into a regular routine of studying.
2. Make homework reward charts
It’s a given that homework isn’t bundles of fun, however there are simple ways to try and make it more bearable for your child. Creating reward charts is an effective way to encourage kids to do well and most importantly succeed. You can also offer small incentives or days out if they complete all their homework on time. Watch them finally want to do their homework!
3. Create them an inspirational workspace
Probably one of the easiest ways to encourage your children to do their homework is by creating a unique but inspirational space for them to work in. Decorate with motivational posters, images that they like and also make it colourful. There is nothing more demotivating than sitting at a kitchen table with a pile of maths questions to get through. By having their own special space dedicated to their studies will make homework that little bit easier.
4. Get them to earn their screen/technology time
It’s crucial to make sure that your children complete their homework before they have any screen/technology time. Earning their recreational time will teach your kids the valuable lesson that they need to work hard first, then have time to relax and enjoy themselves.
5. Make sure they are having regular breaks
Children should be taking short breaks every 20 minutes to half an hour when studying. Make sure they are taking at least 5 minutes to have a wander in the garden, have a drink or a quick snack. This ensures that their brain isn’t trying to take too much in at once and that their body is fuelled and ready to work.
6. Do homework with them
If your child is struggling it’s always a great idea to sit with them and help them work through their homework. However be careful not to do it for them! Offering guidance and support will be a lot more beneficial than just giving them the answers. Just knowing that you are there to guide them through a problem will offer reassurance and allow them to build confidence in their capabilities.
7.Encourage them to use learning apps
If your child hasn’t got oodles of homework to be getting on with, it’s important that you still encourage learning at home. There are hundreds of fun and easy to use learning apps for kids of all ages. Getting them to use these when they don’t have any specific homework set will ensure that their brains are still active and learning. Check out our previous post all about our top educational apps.
8. Give them space if they need it
At the same time as being there for them, you also need to judge when your child needs their own space and time to get on with their studies. Some children work better when they have their own personal time to work, as they feel less pressure and can go at their own pace. Just make sure that if they are studying for a long period of time that they are well hydrated and have lots of mini breaks.
9.Be encouraging and positive
The most important tip of all is to be positive and encourage your child to complete their homework. Tell them how well they are doing and that their hard work isn’t going unnoticed. Positive reinforcement will also reflect in the quality of their homework and will make your child realise that no matter how hard the task is, they can do it. Self-belief is perhaps the most rewarding outcome of a little bit of encouragement.
If you think your child may need some extra support then don’t rule out getting a private tutor. Even if it is once a week, it can make all the difference and really get them up to speed.
Here at Tutor Doctor we offer an affordable, one-to-one home tutoring service that works around you. We provide students with a personalised education that is tailored to suit their abilities, learning style and personality.
Whether you need a tutor for a long term period or just to help get through a tough exam- Tutor Doctor is here to help your child reach their goals and beyond.
Find out more about our programmes here.
Feel free to download our free sample of The Academic Game Plan here.
Tips on How Parents Can Play a More Active Role in Their Child's Education