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based on the interview with Barbara-Lynn Taylor, M.Ed. on “Raising Your Kids” Aired on WXII-12 Wednesday, March 3, 2004 STRUCTURING THE TIME AND PLACE FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL CHILD TO DO HOMEWORK from “Taming the Homework Monster”, Part Five of the video-based parenting program, Successful Parenting Each child is unique and each family is unique, so we should take special care to structure the time and place each child does homework. TIME When should homework be done? Because we cannot do a good job when we are exhausted, the earlier in the day a student can complete homework, the better. However, many children have worthwhile after-school activities such as dance or music lessons, sports practices, or club meetings. There are also many children who, after putting in a long day at school, need a break before starting on homework. So, sometimes, doing assignments just before dinner is the best choice. Sometimes doing homework right after dinner is a good option. The more consistent the plan is, the better. The parents and the child should make this decision together. What about breaks? Most children do need breaks while doing homework, but they should not be more than a few minutes long. Students could reward themselves for finishing an assignment or after a specified length of study time. Breaks could involve switching to a hands-on activity like making a poster, stretching, getting a drink, or getting up to gather supplies for the next assignment. Parents shouldn’t let procrastination set in. A “stall master” will find every excuse in the world not to get back to the task at hand. PLACE Where should children study? Most children study best where it is quiet. For those children, parents need to do their best to provide such an environment. In today’s busy households, however, that may be difficult. Finding an out-of-the-way place in your home, staggering study times, establishing closed study time for all members of the family, or even teaming up with a neighbor or relative may be ways to find that perfect peaceful time. Reading can be done almost anywhere, but if students are writing an assignment, it is generally best if they have a hard surface to write on like a table or a desk. This sounds obvious, but many students try to write lying down on their beds or sitting “Indian style” and this often results in handwriting that is difficult to read. Generally, students learn better when there is no television, chatting on the phone, “instant messaging”, or loud music during study time. However, research studies have shown that some people do learn better when classical music or other types of background music are playing. Parents must use their own good judgment. Surprisingly,
there are some rare children who actually do retain information
best when they study in a bustling, noisy place. If you think
your child might be one of these, check it out. In a quiet
setting, give them a few pages of information to read (such
as from a social studies text) or ask them to write a paragraph
on a certain topic. Then switch to the setting full of noise
and activity, give them the same length of time, and have
them do a comparable assignment. Determine in which setting
they performed better. Be aware that children will usually
plead for the setting with the television, telephone, “instant
messaging’ and so forth. Be prepared to stand your ground
based on what you know about your child. Remember, each child
in your family will have different learning styles and needs.
Fair isn’t always the same, it’s what’s
right for each individual. It is best if your child can study in the same appropriate location every night. Then, going to that place triggers the expectation of studying. We parents should set up that study area with all the equipment the child might need. That way the child can be self-sufficient rather than to need to come to us for supplies or information. Then, we must resist the impulse to hover. It is the child’s work. Regardless of where, when, and under what circumstances your child works best, one habit that will serve every student well is to have assignments done and all materials organized the night before. This eliminates those last-minute panics in the morning. Every student is unique and every family is unique. The parent and the child together should decide what will work best for them. Regardless of when, where, and how, the keys are that the child is responsible for the work, the homework is completed well, and it is turned in on time every day. NOTE: Barbara-Lynn will be joining Chris and Kimberly every Wednesday morning at 6:30 on WXII-12 for “Raising Your Kids”. If you have comments, questions, or would like to share your best parenting practices with reference to homework, please e-mail Barbara-Lynn at blt@successfulparenting. |
