Homework hacks and tips for parents

Some weeks, it feels like my kids are spending as much time on homework as they are in school. They dawdle, ask for help, and procrastinate until the last minute. Fortunately, I’ve learned from these slowpokes that there are a few things parents can do to help their kids get the homework done. Here are a dozen homework hacks that have worked for me {at least a few times!} that might help you keep your kids motivated.

 

Now that my kids are in middle school, their homework is more than just a few worksheets to practice math and spelling. They have projects, lots of reading, and studying for exams.

I’m lucky to have two smart kids who like school, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t spent days of my life nagging them to just do the work. Teaching your child to sit down and work on homework for an extended period unsupervised is a long-term project.

If you start with a few basic homework hacks and use plenty of encouragement, you might just end up with teenagers who are proud of their hard work.

12+ homework hacks for elementary and middle school

1. Choose an “official” homework area.

Whether it’s your home office, a desk in your child’s room, or even just the kitchen table, pick a regular spot for your child to sit and do homework. It needs to be somewhere that you can limit distractions and if possible, keep essential homework supplies like pencils and paper nearby.

2. Set the right mood.

Some kids can focus and learn best in silence, others need music to keep them on task. Sounds, light, and even smells can be a distraction – or a help. Make sure your homework area has all the things your child needs to help them focus and avoid distractions.

3. Make an afterschool checklist.

Your child is probably not ready to sit and focus right after getting home from school. Help keep a visual learner on task by making a simple checklist of tasks they can do when they get home, such as (1) change clothes, (2) eat a snack, (3) play outside for 30 minutes, and (4) do homework.

4. Break the work into chunks.

Procrastination is a bad idea, but if the homework is due at the end of the week, spread it out. Create a plan for the week that divides the work into manageable chunks. For example, weekly worksheets can be divided between days; eg. 1 page per day for 4 days.

5. Teach self-management skills.

If your child only does homework while you’re sitting and helping, it will become your homework too. Start by setting a timer for 10 minutes; when it dings, your child can get help from you, switch to a new subject, or take a break. Preschoolers may need a shorter time while older kids may be able to manage their own timers.

6. Know what is expected.

For homework beyond a list of math problems or a spelling worksheet, the instructions might not be as simple. Encourage your child to ask the teacher when they aren’t sure what counts as “finished.” It may be helpful to write a checklist of steps that your child can follow.

7. Don’t be afraid to try something different.

Every child learns differently, so while reading and writing might help one child learn, another might be better at hands-on activities. If your child is really struggling with a subject, reach out to the teacher. The teacher may have additional resources that can help or may even have alternative assignments. You could even try a site like do my HW to help your child if they’re struggling with an essay or difficult task.

8. Teach your child to speak up.

Younger kids may need a parent to email the teacher, but in middle school and high school, students need to be able to ask for help when they need it. Many teachers offer tutoring and “homework help” before or after school.

9. Set up internet filters.

While keeping your kids safe online is a different story, if your child needs a computer for homework, you may want to block sites that are distracting. {Like Cool Math Games or Facebook}

10. Use a family calendar

Projects are any parent’s worst nightmare. Avoid the last-minute scramble and write due dates on a family calendar as soon as they’re assigned. Break the project into chunks and pencil in your own mini-deadlines that your child can aim for.

11. Have your child teach you.

Instead of checking your child’s homework for them, ask the child to teach you the lesson. Some kids process things better when saying them aloud and they will remember it better later.

12. Keep a short list of homework “cheats.”

There comes a time in every parent’s life when you cannot help your child with their homework. Find a few good websites, apps, or cheat sheets that will help you double-check when you’re unsure. {I love the PhotoMath app for checking algebra!}

Do you have a few smart homework hacks or a tip to share? Leave a comment so all the parents can benefit.

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