Diverse Learning

What Can You Do If Your Child Doesn’t Want to Do Their Homework?

Homework can be a difficult and frustrating time for both children and their parents. Here are some ideas that may make homework time become a happier and more productive time for your family.

Ideas

Good routines are one of the most important factors in making homework time successful. Children and much more likely to develop good homework habits if they have a routine. Therefore, find the right:

Time of day - Don't plan homework time for the same time as your child's favourite TV show!
Length of time - it is recommended that infants school children do about 15 minutes of homework each night, most of which will be reading. Primary school children should do about 30 minutes of homework plus 15 minutes of reading time. Having breaks every 5 to 10 minutes is helpful for some children.
Equipment - make sure that your child has a comfortable chair and table which are at the right height for them. Compile a homework box with everything your child would need to complete their homework ( this is a great present for Santa to bring a Kindy starting school) e.g. Pencils, crayons, scissors, ruler, glue, times tables chart, term sight-words, age-appropriate dictionary.
Place - the place that your child regularly does their homework should be as far away as possible from distractions such as the TV, iPads, computers, other children, toys or open windows.
Frame of mind - try to make sure that your child is neither too tired or to wound up when they are doing their homework.

Also:

Make a list of all the things that have to be done for homework. Crossing them off as they are finished can give a sense of achievement.

For older children use a diary - help your child to organise themselves and make sure that nothing is forgotten.
Encourage your child by reminding them of things that they are doing well and be specific in what you say. E.g. “ I was really pleased that you started your homework without having to be reminded.”
Make a homework contract with your child. Contracts are a way of making sure that both you and your child had exactly the same expectations about what should be done.
- Making a contract involves putting down on paper how much homework your child is expected to do, when they are expected to do it and what will happen if they do (or don't) do their homework. Once these things are sorted out and written down the contract can be signed by the child and by the parent to make it official.
- When you are setting up a homework contract with your child be firm about what you expect and fair about their wishes.
- Most children need some kind of reward for doing homework. These rewards must be worth working for, easy for you to supply, and be delivered only when homework is done (they shouldn't be used as bribes!)
  - Examples of rewards that you could give children every day include - 15 minutes playing a game with parents, extra TV / iPad time, a tick on a chart, 50 cents, extra time before bed.
  - Examples of bonus rewards (that children can earn points to work towards) include- lunch at McDonald's, having a friend over, going to the movies watching a DVD together. (Reward charts will be discussed in further detail in the coming weeks).
Talk to the school - It is important that you tell the child's teacher if the homework is too hard or there is simply too much for your child to cope with. The class teacher will also need to know how much help you need to give you a child when they are doing their homework.

Lastly…

Make sure that there is still enough time for homework, sport and fun!! Physical activity and fun are great ways for children to relax and socialise. Many children find it hard to concentrate throughout the school day and need to have a break from thinking when they get home.

Ms Janelle Schembri | Diverse Learning Coordinator