Five productive ways for parents to help their children with homework

While far from popular with young learners, homework can be a crucial part of a child's learning process. Homework helps to encourage children to work independently, take responsibility for their own work, organise and plan their use of time.

These benefits are best felt when there is a strong partnership between home and school. This is because parents can play a significant role in their children’s learning; influencing their educational success and attitude towards learning. When parents involve themselves in the education process of their children, such as supporting their children with school work, the outcome is usually more positive for the child.

Here are five productive ways to help your child with their homework:

1. Be supportive
We learn from our mistakes. Rather than simply giving them the answers, it’s more beneficial to offer support by guiding them through their work. You can do this by helping to interpret assignment instructions and reviewing completed work. Providing them with the opportunity to figure out the answers for themselves helps to develop their problem-solving skills and gives them the confidence to persevere. The more opportunities they are given to figure out the answers on their own, the more independent they become and the less they will rely on your assistance.

2. Establish a study routine
Some children prefer to do homework straight after school, whereas others have after school commitments or prefer to ‘unwind’ first. Establish a suitable time and place for completing homework, ideally somewhere with no interruptions and when distractions are at a minimum. Encourage them to stick to this routine, as making study a consistent part of their daily lives is a great way to develop healthy homework habits.

3. Strike a balance between schoolwork and leisure
All children need leisure time, and so it’s essential to find a balance between studying and engaging in activities that interest them outside of their school curriculum. Pinpoint how much homework they are given and determine how much time should be allocated to completing homework. Ensure that the recommended time is not exceeded so that they get it done efficiently and homework doesn’t become a daunting experience.

4. Find ways to make homework engaging
One way to involve children in their extended learning is to apply their school work to the real world. Discuss with them the ways in which the material they are learning applies outside the classroom; providing specific examples of how it relates to current affairs and how it might link to some of their interests.

5. Utilise additional resources and support
Consider additional outside support from another source, see if the school offers a homework club. There may also be recommended textbooks or online resources that your child can make use of.

Although Kumon Study Centres are not designed for students to complete and review their school homework, our maths and English programmes help children to think for themselves and develop strong problem-solving skills; developing them into independent and confident learners. Students are provided with daily worksheets to complete in order to develop their abilities and fundamental study skills. Combined with their schoolwork, they are equipped with the tools they need to succeed academically. Book your child a free assessment to get started today.