The best method forchildren’s homework writing
If you have a small child, you have likely faced homework writing issues many times. Many children who have just started school strongly resist this task. They prefer to play before doing homework, often postponing it until the last minute.
Sometimes you might have to force them to write even two sentences of homework.SelMagzWe intend to introduce solutions that can help your child write homework better than before. Whether your child is in preschool or school, these methods will be effective for them.
1. Completing tasks as quickly as possible is beneficial for everyone.
Imagine days when you have nothing to do in the evening. You notice how good you feel on such days. Remind your child of this feeling. During such times, it is better to provide your child with a suitable timeframe.
For example, tell them they can enjoy themselves from 3 PM to 5 PM, without any responsibilities during that time. This will motivate them to finish their tasks sooner to have enough time to play or rest. Let them know that 5 PM is the time they must start their work, and even if you are not home, they should stick to this rule.
2. Create a contact list to help your child remember.
Ask your child to have the contact numbers of three or four classmates so that if they forget their assignments, they can ask them for help, removing excuses for not doing homework.
3. Build their self-confidence, which is the best way for children under stress.
When children do not perform well, they feel they aren’t smart enough, leading to negative thoughts that can root many problems in their future.
Therefore, to prevent this, build their self-confidence by discussing their abilities, efforts, and successes. Teach them that everyone can make mistakes.
4. Split the task in half for them.
Sometimes you may notice that a child’s difficulty in completing assignments stems from not understanding part of the lesson or that the homework is unclear to them, making them unprepared for it.
Sometimes, the issue is that they are tired of long classes, gym, or art lessons, so it is better to identify what the problem is.
If they struggle with understanding concepts, talk to their teacher or explain parts of the assignments for them. Split the task to make it more manageable, and consider reducing their class load throughout the day to lessen physical and mental fatigue.
5. Make the environment pleasant and enjoyable for them.
Simple changes in their room can significantly boost their motivation. Also, don’t hold back from being present with them. For children aged 7 to 11, try to reduce your workload and spend more time with them.
6. Show them positive feedback.
Make sure to correct your child’s mistakes. Emphasize that they can be their best, but the most crucial thing is to provide them with positive feedback. For instance, praise them when they earn a good grade in an easy lesson.
7. Leave the room when they complain.
Sometimes your child complains while doing assignments. In these moments, it’s best to stay calm and not add fuel to the fire. Instead, help them calm down and leave the room so they can manage on their own, and never scold them for their frustrations.
8. Set a timer for them to avoid procrastination.
You can set a timer for them. For example, give them a 15-minute break when they want one, and teach them how to set a timer so it rings after 15 minutes without you needing to remind them.
9. Plan and teach them how to plan.
Set a time frame for your child. When they are in lower grades, try to plan for them, and then prepare a monthly and weekly calendar.
This practice will help familiarize their minds with planning, making it easier for them in the future. Start teaching them how to divide their time at the same age.
10. Give them opportunities.
Some days, your child may completely fall behind in their schedule. During these times, do not rush them to start their tasks or make them anxious.StressTry to restore their calm so they can plan more easily.
You can provide strategies to prevent them from falling behind.
11. Know their teacher and be familiar with their methods.
In addition to all the suggestions above, you should discuss assignments, teaching methods, and your child’s difficulties with their teacher to stay coordinated and not confuse them. Always attend parent-teacher meetings and take this matter seriously.
12. Set aside appropriate time for their play.
Don’t make your planning too rigid and serious. Dedicate some time for them to play and have fun.
13. Minimize their distractions.
This means, when your child is studying, don’t increase the volume of the TV, music, or phone to avoid distracting them.
14. Be a source of motivation for them.
Be a source of motivation for your child through positivity, encouragement, rewards, and kindness.
15. Be a role model yourself.
If you do not act on the advice and strategies you give them, you cannot expect your child to do so either. Therefore, you should also carry out your tasks in life with planning.
If, after following all the suggestions above, your child still refuses to do homework and assignments, make sure to consult a child or adolescent counselor and do not ignore this issue to avoid harming them in the future.
16. Allow your child to plan.
Let your child write their own study schedule. This will help strengthen their personality, so ask them when, where, and how they wish to do their homework, and if they have ideas for managing their homework process.
If they don’t have a clear idea, offer suggestions and guide them in the right direction. Ask questions such as “Do you want to have a snack first?” or “Would you like to play in the backyard before doing homework?” so that they create a plan for themselves and place it somewhere suitable. Let them do their homework wherever they feel comfortable.
17. Tell them they can’t watch TV until they finish their homework.
After facing a long summer of constantly being with the TV, kids become accustomed to watching it, so use their interest in TV as a motivation. Let them know that if they do not complete their assignments, they cannot sit down to watch TV and follow their favorite shows.
18. Assume the role of an overseer.
Never do your child’s assignments for them; just be an observer. Homework serves as a tool for teachers to assess students’ understanding and detect their mistakes by assigning tasks.
19. Allow your child to ask only three questions about their homework.
Let your child ask only three questions about their homework and encourage them to answer the rest themselves or underline the parts they do not understand to ask their teacher.
20. Be patient.
Be patient so your child can independently complete their homework. If they say they need help, tell them that if they focus and concentrate, they won’t have any issues. The more you wait, the more they will be forced to reread the questions and think about them. This way, you will foster a more independent child.
21. Teach them to manage their time.
Teach your child that they must manage their time and will not have endless hours to do their homework. They should learn to complete their homework in time and avoid idleness and playfulness.
22. Do not criticize your child’s teacher.
Never criticize teachers or the school system in front of your child, and do not belittle the school’s educational system. For example, if your child complains about the types of assignments and how they are given, don’t say, “I’ll call your teacher, this assignment is silly.”
23. Let your child see the consequences of their actions.
If your child doesn’t want to do their assignments, allow them to submit incomplete work and let them experience the consequence themselves. The teacher will punish them in their way, and they will learn that they need to complete their assignments.
To boost your child’s motivation in completing their homework, adhere to the following five points:
- Do not tell your child, “I don’t understand how your teacher teaches you math.” Instead, say, “It’s better to check your book and learn the point so you can solve the problems yourself.”
- Instead of saying, “Your essay is short; make it longer,” tell them, “This is a very interesting essay. I want to hear more about it.”
- Rather than giving answers to questions, say to your child, “You solve this problem, and if you cannot, I will help you.”
- Instead of saying, “You will get a bad grade for not doing your homework,” say, “Do your best. Your teacher will definitely recognize your effort.”
- Instead of saying, “This question is meaningless,” say, “I don’t understand the answer to this problem either; perhaps I should write a note to your teacher.”
How do I talk to my child’s teacher?
Ask your child’s teacher the following:
- How can I assist my child in completing their assignments?
- Should I check my child’s homework for errors?
- Should I review the accuracy of the assignments, or is it enough just to know that my child has completed them?
The teacher will answer these questions, and you will know the extent of your support for your child. If your child faces serious issues in completing their declared assignments, schedule a face-to-face meeting with your child’s teacher.
