What is homework?
Homework is a task that needs to be done, a responsibility. Homework supports children’s education by keeping them remember what they’ve learned at school.
Why Homework is necessary?
Responsibility: Tasks given at school to be completed at home teach children sense of responsibility.
Supporting learning: homework provide repetition of knowledge learned at school and make it more permanent.
Discovering self-interest and qualifications: Homework help children to understand their abilities in certain areas; realize what they are lack of and what they are good at.
What should you pay attention to?
- Too hard and complicated homework shouldn’t be given
Teachers should give too long or difficult homework that will take all the time of children after school. These kind of tasks tire children psychologically and stress them too much. Children may feel unsuccessful after not being able to complete these homework.
- Don’ be a perfectionist
Homework completed by your child may not look perfect, but it is already done. Don’t tell them to re-do it again; it makes them feel all their efforts were meaningless and waste of time. If this is repeated many time, they may think whatever I do is going to be a waste, so I don’t need to work at all.
- Children shouldn’t be forced to complete homework right after school
A child who just got home from school needs to rest just like an adult after work. You shouldn’t tell them to start doing homework when they get home immediately.
Don’t forget; games are very important for children’s mental development.
- It is important to set a time for homework
It is helpful for you child to set a Daily plan and follow it. Teach them to organize Daily activities but don’t plan their day for them. Allow them to plan their own day and give them options. Ask them what time they want to do their homework. When you agree, you don’t have to remind them constantly their responsibilities.
Don’t forget; forcing them to study or doing homework and telling it constantly creates reserve effect. Children who face these kind of pressures start to escape from responsibilities or create excuses.
- Children should be motivated and admired for success.
Talking about negative behaviors constantly is not helpful at all. Instead, it leads to lack of motivation. Admiring your children for their successes and positive behaviors encourage them to repeat those positive behaviors.