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Homework Help is Here

Amber Brandt  |  September 11, 2023

It’s homework season, and even though evenings are particularly busy for most families, your support at home can make a huge difference for your child. According to research conducted by the Center for Public Education, “Programs and interventions that engage families in supporting their children’s learning at home are linked to higher student achievement.” Here are five ways you can help your child get the most out of studying at home.

  1. Take a break first. “It’s tempting to want your child to get started with homework as soon as they get home, so they can finish early. It’s important to bear in mind that they’ve already had a long day. Allow them time to play outside or on the computer, have a protein-packed snack, and then switch gears over to homework when the time is right.
  2. Be in the know. Pop in to dialogue with your child’s teacher about how long – on average – your child’s homework should take to complete. If your child spends much longer than what is expected, the approach or the load may need to be modified.
  3. Eliminate distractions. Set up a special area where your child can get in the habit of completing their homework each night. Remove visual or auditory distractions and make sure TV, social media, or games are out of reach.
  4. Find what works. Does your child have trouble staying on task? Consider setting a timer and urge them to get as much done as they can before it goes off. (Reset as needed.) Or perhaps they’re extra sensory-stimulated. No problem, try letting them sit on an exercise ball or chew gum while they work.
  5. Monitor and motivate. Ask questions about what assignments are due, if they have any quizzes coming up, or simply be on hand to encourage and answer questions.

Parents who stay invested in their children’s education afterhours are a valuable resource for helping their child stay on track. You may even be able to eliminate school struggles before they start. If your child often exhibits frustration or discouragement over their ability to complete a task, you can step in to connect them with the tools they need – even if it’s a little extra tutoring on the side. Don’t be afraid to bring up any questions or concerns you have with your child’s teacher. We want to work with you to create the best learning environment possible and customize your child’s education to their unique needs.