AD| Top Tips for Helping Your Child with their Homework
Homework serves to reinforce the knowledge learnt throughout the school day and may be more beneficial if the child works through it independently, coming to you only when they really get stuck. It can often be difficult to determine the line between helpful support and just simply giving them the answers, and parents can wonder ‘how much help is too much help?’ There are ways you can help your child excel with their at home studies, which often manifest as encouragement and preparation rather than providing answers. A preparatory school in Surrey has shared their top tips on how to do so.
Set up a Study Area
Creating a suitable environment should be the first place to start. Finding an area free from distractions will allow your child to settle into their work and really focus on the task at hand. The dining room table could be the perfect study space if you’re able to keep noise in this area to a minimum. Alternatively, a small desk in their bedroom could work too, as long as you’re able to monitor that electronic devices are kept at bay for the duration of their study to avoid unnecessary distractions.
Create a Routine
We are creatures of habit, and this extends to our children too. If you can set a specific time for homework, you will find that over time you will be met with less and less resistance as they accept homework time as part of their daily routine. Straight after school would be the ideal time as they will have the knowledge from their school day fresh in their minds and will still be dressed in uniform and therefore in ‘work mode’.
Support and Interest
Take interest in your child’s homework, ask them about the subject and get them to explain it to you. Not only will this show that you’re on hand to offer support, but it will also allow them to reinforce their knowledge as they explain a topic in their own words. Try not to micromanage by looking over their shoulder as they work, instead allow them to come to you if and when they need help. It is important that they learn to work independently as this will give them confidence in their own ability.
