Since entering the tutoring business over 10 years ago, I have heard plenty of parents share their frustrations over homework time. Parents want to preserve the sacred relationship with their child but often find themselves struggling to find ways to be supportive. I share a simple acronym with parents to take a first step in helping set up a successful homework time: RELAX
R– routine– You know your children the best. Depending on his age and level of energy when he gets home from school, having a predictable routine will help set your child up for success. Some children need a snack and some free time before starting homework while others want to delve into the work as soon as they get home. The important rule here is consistency: establish the routine with your child (let him tell you what works best) and create a visual reminder to stick to it
E– environment– set up a clutter free, inspirational, quiet homework zone. Clutter frustrates our brains and makes distractions hard to resist. A desk or table with necessary supplies and even some motivational posters (“I can do it!”) set the mood for success. Reducing background noises, playing classical music or even a white noise machine helps some students “get in the zone.”.
L– listen– as parents, we want to have all the answers to share with our children. During homework time, if your child has a question on how to complete an assignment, instead of “lecturing” her on how to do it, first ask if she can tell you how her teacher modeled it at school. Then ask her to look through her binder for examples that could help with the homework. Finally, ask what resources she could use to find the answer and together maybe go to a homework help website, youtube video or printed reference and work through it together. This way you are working as a team and modeling how to go about getting help without relying on an outside person.
A– allow for breaks– Depending on the age of your child, he can only sit still and focus for so long. Consider setting a kitchen timer near his homework space for a certain amount of time. If your child is between the ages of 5-8, start with 10 minute intervals. For students ages 9-12, start with 15-20 minute intervals and for students 13-above, start with 30 minute intervals. At the end of each time period, allow for a 5 minute break to do something restorative: eat a healthy snack, do something active, go outside or do yoga. Then return to homework for another stretch of time.
X– expectations- create homework expectations with your child, so she knows ahead of time when she will complete her work, how to get support when she needs it and consequences if the homework isn’t completed and turned in. Having clear and realistic expectations ahead of time will give comfort to your child.
A new website called Homework Unlocked is helping take the mystery out of the new math curriculum! Visit the user-friendly site to see short videos or even write in your own homework question. All the concepts and explanations are tied to the common core strategies! Best of all…it’s free!! http://homeworkunlocked.com/
HWMP– LS Tutors is excited to introduce the Homework Management Program! If you have a child in middle or high school and would like some support staying informed of their class grades, consider giving HWMP a try. If you sign up for HWMP, a tutor will use online grade portals (such as Edline) to send weekly grade reports. The teachers, students and parents can be included in the emails so that everyone knows what the current grades are and what assignments have to be made up or finished.
The staff at LS Tutors is here to help with homework routines and study skills. Please contact LS Tutors at if you would like a free consultation or more detail about the HWMP tutoring option!
Regards,
Lori Solovey
Owner, LS Tutors
240-507-5071