According to educators, homework helps our children learn about subjects that they learn in school. It is also one of the first ways that children develop responsibility and take authority. As soon as children start grade school, learning how to read and follow directions independently, how to manage and budget time for long-term assignments, and how to complete work neatly and to the best of their ability are skills children need for life. Homework is not the best take home for most children, but with a little help from their parents, it can be a positive learning experience that they may find it difficult to let go. i hope that the below steps can help you help children master the skill of homework;
1. Make studies a lifestyle. It is very easy for humans, especially children to grow into a habit if we make it fun. Basically, do not make homework a burden. use games and give rewards.
2. Place to do homework. Most people advocate an airy and quiet location light. There should be little or no distractions like radio, television or telephone. Some say avoid other children playing around. For me, it depends on the subject.
3. Choose a range of time every day to work on daily home. My children do best if they tackle their homework shortly after returning home from school in the afternoon. also note that some children might respond poorly to a dictated study time, such as 4:00 every afternoon, and may be better off if they're given guidelines, such as "No watching Television until your homework is done."
4. Let your children play a role in setting the rules. As a habit, my children lead in decision making. They would agree on the set time and chose a place, which can eliminate some of the homework-related dissension between parents and children.
5. Observe your children's homework habits. And ask question such as; are you stuck on a certain task or are you distracted? Do they understand the directions, or are making the assignment harder than it really is? Is their focus interrupted by others or things? what next?
6. Don't do your children's homework for them. One of the things I do not get is that I was never helped with my homework, but I coped just fine. I say that it's perfectly okay to help your children get focused and organise their approach to the work, but insist that they do the work. Occasionally, you may need to clarify the directions of the assignment; in those cases, let your children take a stab themselves before offering to help.
7. Give positive feedback. Even if they failed to do the work correctly. Then settle down and work with them. Don't criticise. Instead, master how to review their work together and try to pinpoint areas of difficulty.
8. Keep in touch with your children's teacher. And this does not matter how good your children are. If they are having ongoing homework problems, such as difficulty understanding what the assignments are or how to complete them make sure the teacher is told. Teachers also help us to understand the work better.
9. Identify Progress as made by your children. And appreciate what you and your children are doing. It is important that we let our children know how far they have travelled. for Instance, say that "last term, you could only read 3 lettered words. I am happy that you can now read longer or two syllabus words.
10. Reward independence in your children. Yes, reward is another kind reminder. This time, kinder than the words 'thank you'.
Victorine Mbong Shu.
Author and Conversationist on Involved Parenting
Availability of book
Copies can be bought from the following avenues;
Victorine on +27 82 548 6385
My works on www.mbongshu.co.za
Publisher on +27 11 346 8300/www.profounder.co.za
Xarra Books: www.Xarrabooks.co.za
Online in South Africa: www.sabooksearch.co.za
Hard Copies: +27 11 440 7501- Johannesburg or www.profoundcentre.co.za
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