Making homework fun

Praise, love and support can help make doing homework a positive, enjoyable activity
theSun, Tues 30 Dec 2008

COME January, my daughter will begin her formal education in primary school. As she is a fun-loving and strong-minded child, I foresee new challenges in getting her to focus on homework and studies for longer periods as compared to what she has experienced so far in kindergarten.

The time spent on homework should be age-appropriate. Older children may be able to sit for a longer period of time to complete their homework while younger ones, who tend to have a shorter concentration span, could be given short breaks in between.

They might find it difficult to complete all their homework in one sitting and would feel frustrated if they are forced to do so. Allow them to stop for a short while every 15 minutes or so and motivate them with praise once they have completed one part of the homework.

It is good to designate a specific place for homework. It should be a quiet (with the television turned off) area, well-lit and with an adequate supply of stationery to enable the child to do his homework comfortably with minimal distraction.

Also find a suitable time for homework to be done. It should preferably be at the same time every day to establish a routine, and which is workable for the family to ensure schedules are met and other routines uninterrupted.

For it to be productive and effective, make sure that your children are in the right frame of mind and temperament. You may not want to get them to do their homework immediately after returning home from school as they could be tired. Allow them some leisure time to rest or release some pent-up energy.

Make homework a positive experience. We need to make a conscious effort to help our children view homework as something that helps them gain knowledge. Homework should not be viewed as a chore or punishment. We need to help them understand that we are there to help them if they need assistance. Provide them the love and support they need.

However, make sure that they understand that although you may guide them through their work, you would not provide the answers. This will teach them responsibility and independence.

Set a good example. When doing your own work at home such as research, writing a report or reading, try not to do it while watching television or talking on the phone.

When your children are doing their homework, you could sit with them and do some of your own work too. Show them that what they are learning can be applied to daily life. For example, if your children are doing some math homework, you could balance your cheque book or review your household budget.

Show interest in what your children are doing to help them feel supported and secure. Talk about school, read with them and ask them if they learned anything fun or interesting that day at school.

Praise, love and rewards can help encourage children to do their homework. When they feel good about their achievements, they develop confidence in taking on more difficult tasks.

Anna feels that children these days are given too much homework and tuition. Her parenting articles here can be found in her blog http://youmekids.blogspot.com.